Description

This article is from the 3b1 computers FAQ, by John B. Bunch with numerous contributions by others.

4.3. How can I get the machine to ask the device and program to boot from?

By default the UNIX PC is set up with the non-verbose system loader. This can be changed to the "verbose" loader which will ask what program and device to load from.

*** WARNING *** Any time you write to the disk device like the following, be extra careful that you type the correct device name. A backup is always recommended.

Insert a blank diskette in the floppy drive.

	# fdfmt.vl
	# /etc/ldrcpy /dev/rfp020 /dev/rfp000

Reboot your machine and you'll be able to load from the floppy or the hard disk whatever program you desire (not that there is too much you can load). It may be useful to copy the several diagnostic utilities to the hard disk (for easy retrieval).

Insert your diagnostic disk ...

	# mount /dev/fp021 /mnt -r
	# mkdir /dgn
	# cp /mnt/s4diag /dgn/s4diag
	# umount /dev/fp021

This can be repeated for diagnostics like, STARLAN, Voice Power, DOS-73, Floppy Tape, etc. Name the diagnostic programs something unique (slndiag, vpdiag, dosdiag, etc.) Now you can load from the hard disk /dgn/s4diag, /dgn/vpdiag, etc.. and have that diagnostic utility handy when needed.

NOTE: After you do this procedure your system will not reboot automatically (after power failures) without some user input.

Continue to:

• prev: 4.2. How can I make a floppy-disk-based UNIX for fsck'ing the hard drive?
• Index
• next: 4.4. How do I get multiple login windows?