Re: AlphaServer 4100
Hi Marc
Press the "halt" button before you power on. It's the middle one between
"power" and "reset". If you see no prompt, send some ctrl-c sequences.
Regards, Adrian.
Marc Schlensog wrote:
> On Wed, 9 Nov 2005 16:55:59 -0800
> Sean Spencer <cagedbird@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>>Hello!
>>
>>I have acquired an old DEC AlphaServer 4100. I am attempting to
>>install Debian Alpha on it, but I can't seem to get the boot process
>>down. I'd like it to halt at the SRM firmware ("P00>>>" is the prompt,
>>white text on blue background), but it boots straight into AlphaBios.
>>Normally this wouldn't be an issue, since AlphaBios notices the lack
>>of an OS and prompts you to go into Setup and sort that out ("No
>>Operating System Selections Found Press <F2> to enter Setup and
>>configure the system. F2=Setup"). However, the problem is that I can't
>>seem to send any keystroke data to the COM1 backend! No matter which
>>keys I press, nothing happens.
>>
>>Anyway, my hope is that some people familiar with this have a way for
>>me to force a boot into SRM firmware, which I have dealt with before
>>and from which I foresee little trouble in booting my Debian boot CD.
>>
>>Here's hoping! Any replies will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
>>
>>--SS
>>
>
>
>
>
> Hello Sean,
>
> I hope, this one helps a bit:
>
>
>>Kevin Wood posted this ages ago:
>>
>>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>Here is what you will need:
>>
>>AlphaBIOS Command List
>>
>>Note: Terminal Must Be Set to VT220!
>>
>>ESC = ESC (For going to previous Menu)
>>Ctrl-B = F2
>>Ctrl-U = F10 (For saving changes)
>>Ctrl-I = Tab
>>Ctrl-Enter = Enter or Next Menu
>>Ctrl-+ = Change Month Setting and Time Settings
>> - = Previous Menu
>>Space = Space
>>Backspace = Backspace
>>Number Keys = Number Keys (For Changing Date (PGUP & PGDN Do not Work)
>>Letter Keys = Letter Keys (For Changing Menu Selections)
>>
>>
>>
>>Example for Changing Time
>>
>>When screen comes up, press space to bypass memory count. Then press
>>Ctrl-B to enter the AlphaBIOS menus (You may have to press this key
>>combination a couple of times to access the menus). Press Ctrl-I
>>until
>>the selection CMOS settings has been highlighted. Press Ctrl-Enter to
>>access the next screen. Use Ctrl-I to change between the Month, Day
>>and Year Fields. To change the Month, press Ctrl-+ until the you get
>>the month you need. Press Ctrl-I and then either use the number keys
>>and enter the month or use the Ctrl-+ keys until the number comes up.
>>This same usage should apply to all the other features of AlphaBIOS.
>>
>>
>>
>>Tested using: PowerVT for NT Version 3.0.4.5 and AlphaBIOS on the
>>AlphaLX version 5.66.
>
>
> If I'm not mistaken, you'll have to go into the Advanced Settings (F6?)
> to change the used firmware and this one isn't mentioned here. So you'll
> probably have to play a bit to find the right combination (or hook up a
> spare monitor and keyboard ;-)).
>
> HTH,
>
> Marc
>
>
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