Alphaserver4100
Disk controller is a KZPAC
Disk is a storage works shelf with 6 18G drives configed as 2 mirror sets and 2 spare
my alphaserver4100 has been running OpenVMS for me for five years or so. I am presently running VMS 8.3 and have been for a year or two. Starting a few weeks ago, it won't boot if the power is cycled but hangs at "swapper: verifying system disk" never to return. So far the only solution I
have found is to reinstall the OS and then it runs through infinite reboots until the next power failure.
This will not do.
I suspect the TOY clock battery but that is yet to be proven and by present symptoms, when I replace the TOY clock I will have to reinstall the OS before it will run again.
There must be a better way. How can I reboot this thing without reinstalling the OS once every couple weeks?
It is some times ago, but i have the same problem with that rather old hardware. Also KZPAC with 6*18GB hdd (so: 3*RAID1): DRA0, 1 and 2.
By installation of openVMS the standard way it works (cold boot and restart).
But now it doesn't work anymore with coldboot. Same as with you: Waiting infinite for becoming online . Resolution is: Boot from OpenVMS 8.3 CD, go into DCL, logout and do then b <enter> .
I tried already to backup/image (for defragmentation) or Writeboot but problem stays .
Have you found something in the last time ????
malmberg August 04 2022 No more VAX hobbyist licenses. Community licenses for Alpha/IA64/X86_64 VMS Software Inc. Commercial VMS software licenses for VAX available from HPE.
ozboomer July 20 2022 Just re-visiting.. No more hobbyist licenses? Is that from vmssoftware.com, no 'community' licenses?
valdirfranco July 01 2022 No more hobbyist license...sad
mister_wavey February 12 2022 I recall that the disks failed on the public access VMS systems that included Fafner
parwezw January 03 2022 Anyone know what happened to FAFNER.DYNDS.ORG? I had a hobbyist account here but can longer access the site.
gtackett October 27 2021 Make that DECdfs _2.1A_ for Vax
gtackett October 27 2021 I'm looking for DECdfs V2.4A kit for VAX. Asking here just in case anyone is still listening.
MarkRLV September 17 2021 At one time, didn't this web site have a job board? I would love to use my legacy skills one last time in my career.
malmberg January 18 2021 New Hobbyist PAKs for VAX/VMS are no longer available according to reports. Only commercial licenses are reported to be for sale from HPE
dfilip January 16 2021 Can someone please point me to hobbyist license pak? I'm looking for VAX/VMS 7.1, DECnet Phase IV, and UCX/TCPIP ... have the 7.1 media, need the license paks ... thanks!