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HP OpenVMS Systemsask the wizard |
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The Question is: I'm trying to install VMS 6.1 over an NT 4 Alpha box (yes I know it's an old version). I don't know how to make NT recognise the OpenVMS CD so that I can install the OS. The doco says to do stuff at the console prompt, I don't know how to get there to fol low the instructions! The Answer is :
Which Alpha system? Specific Alpha systems do not support the OpenVMS
operating system, and specific Alpha systems (those that do support
OpenVMS) have differing requirements for switching the firmware from
AlphaBIOS or ARC over to the SRM console required by OpenVMS, and also
have differing requirements for getting to the command prompt.
To switch between the AlphaBIOS or ARC and the SRM console firmware:
ftp://ftp.digital.com/pub/DEC/Alpha/firmware/utilities/mkboot.txt
ftp://ftp.digital.com/pub/DEC/Alpha/firmware/utilities/mkbootarc.txt
ftp://ftp.digital.com/pub/DEC/Alpha/firmware/utilities/mkntboot.txt
The above documents are particularly useful when working with a
"half-flash" system such as the AlphaStation 255, and switching between
the Windows NT (ARC or AlphaBIOS) and the OpenVMS or UNIX (SRM) operating
system firmware environments.
Depending on what type of Alpha system, the AlphaBIOS "update AlphaBIOS"
command is the mechanism used to upgrade the firmware, and to switch over
to the SRM firmware. At the APU prompt, select "update srm" or "update
arc" to select the SRM or AlphaBIOS firmware, respectively. After the
update -- make sure you use the latest appropriate firmware -- you must
power-cycle the system to load the new firmware and then select OpenVMS
as the operating system with the SRM command "set os_type vms".
It is also typically quite easy to acquire the firmware via the CD-ROM
distribution kit, and use the CD-ROM to switch firmware.
Additional information on acquiring Alpha firmware is available in the
OpenVMS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.
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