System Startup, Configuration, and Shutdown Reference Manual (32650-90907)
Chapter 2
Initiating System Activity
The Booting Process
29
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
Console IO Dependent Code (IODC) revision 4
Boot IO Dependent Code (IODC) revision 4
Soft Booted.