System Startup, Configuration, and Shutdown Reference Manual (32650-90892)

32 Chapter2
Initiating System Activity
The Booting Process
The Booting Process
The process of booting the processor-dependent code (PDC) and the
input/output-dependent code (IODC) takes place immediately after the system self-test.
The initialization process is hardware-driven and begins automatically.
After the system is reset, the PDC and IODC boot sequence messages indicate or prompt
for the I/O paths required for successful completion. For more information on proper I/O
paths for startup, refer to the previous section.
Autobooting the System
Autobooting allows you to boot the system from the primary boot path without the need to
make any keyboard entries.
Boot messages vary slightly depending on whether autoboot is enabled. The following
examples show some typical boot sequences and illustrate use of the material covered up
to this point (resetting the system, system self- test, and using I/O paths).
Autobooting a system is usually accomplished by enabling autoboot with the ISL AUTOBOOT
command, resetting the system, and following the system’s prompts. For information on
the AUTOBOOT command, refer to Chapter 3 , “System Startup Functions.”
Even when autoboot is disabled (or you have interrupted an enabled autoboot sequence as
described in the next section), the system still allows you the option of autobooting by
issuing an Interact with IPL (Y or N)?> message. (Bypassing a disabled autoboot flag
setting to autoboot a system is discussed later in this chapter.)
Example 2-3 demonstrates autobooting an N-Class system. The example is a partial listing
of an uninterrupted autoboot (autoboot enabled) sequence. The screen may contain a
different boot path display and additional information, depending on the system you are
using.
Example 2-3. Autobooting an N-Class System
CM> TC
Processor Dependent Code (PDC) revision 3.2
Console path = 4.2.0.0.0.0.0
Primary boot path = 4.1.0.0.0.0.0
Alternate boot path = 4.5.0.0.0.0.0
Autoboot from primary boot path enabled.
To override, press any key within 10 seconds.
10 seconds expired -- proceeding with autoboot.
Booting from primary boot path = 4.1.0.0.0.0.0