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System Administration Guide: Basic Administration
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Preface

1.  Oracle Solaris Management Tools (Road Map)

2.  Working With the Solaris Management Console (Tasks)

3.  Working With the Oracle Java Web Console (Tasks)

4.  Managing User Accounts and Groups (Overview)

5.  Managing User Accounts and Groups (Tasks)

6.  Managing Client-Server Support (Overview)

7.  Managing Diskless Clients (Tasks)

8.  Introduction to Shutting Down and Booting a System

9.  Shutting Down and Booting a System (Overview)

10.  Shutting Down a System (Tasks)

11.  Modifying Oracle Solaris Boot Behavior (Tasks)

12.  Booting an Oracle Solaris System (Tasks)

13.  Managing the Oracle Solaris Boot Archives (Tasks)

14.  Troubleshooting Booting an Oracle Solaris System (Tasks)

15.  x86: GRUB Based Booting (Reference)

16.  x86: Booting a System That Does Not Implement GRUB (Tasks)

x86: Booting a System (Task Map)

x86: Booting a System That Does Not Implement GRUB

x86: How to Boot a System to Run Level 3 (Multiuser Level)

x86: How to Boot a System to Run Level S (Single-User Level)

x86: How to Boot a System Interactively

x86: Booting From the Network

x86: How to Boot a System From the Network

x86: Using the Device Configuration Assistant

x86: How to Enter the Device Configuration Assistant

x86: How to Stop a System for Recovery Purposes

x86: How to Boot a System for Recovery Purposes

x86: How to Boot a System With the Kernel Debugger (kmdb)

x86: Forcing a Crash Dump and Reboot of the System

x86: How to Force a Crash Dump and Reboot of the System

x64: Troubleshooting a Failed 64-Bit Boot

x86: Boot Processes (Reference)

x86: Boot Subsystems

x86: Booting the Solaris Release

x86: Screens Displayed During the Device Identification Phase

x86: Device Configuration Assistant Screen

x86: Bus Enumeration Screen

x86: Scanning Devices Screen

x86: Identified Devices Screen

x86: Menus Displayed During the Boot Phase

x86: Boot Solaris Menu

x86: Current Boot Parameters Menu

x86: Boot Process

x86: Boot Files

17.  Working With the Oracle Solaris Auto Registration regadm Command (Tasks)

18.  Managing Services (Overview)

19.  Managing Services (Tasks)

20.  Managing Software (Overview)

21.  Managing Software With Oracle Solaris System Administration Tools (Tasks)

22.  Managing Software by Using Oracle Solaris Package Commands (Tasks)

23.  Managing Patches

A.  SMF Services

Index

x86: Booting a System That Does Not Implement GRUB

The following procedures use the reset button to restart the system. If your system does not have a reset button, use the power switch to restart the system. You might be able to press Ctrl-Alt-Del to interrupt system operation, depending upon the state of the system.

x86: How to Boot a System to Run Level 3 (Multiuser Level)

Use this procedure to boot a system that is currently at run level 0 to run level 3.

  1. If the system displays the Press any key to reboot prompt, press any key to reboot the system.

    You can also use the Reset button at this prompt. If the system is shut down, turn the system on with the power switch.

    The Current Boot Parameters menu is displayed after a few minutes.

  2. Type b to boot the system to run level 3, then ress Enter.

    If you do not make a selection within five seconds, the system is automatically booted to run level 3.

  3. Verify that the system has booted to run level 3.

    The login prompt is displayed when the boot process has finished successfully.

    hostname console login:

Example 16-1 x86: Booting a System to Run Level 3 (Multiuser Level)

For new installations, typing b at the boot prompt automatically boots 64-bit capable x86 based systems to 64-bit mode. For upgrades, typing b at the boot prompt also boots 64-bit capable x86 based systems to 64-bit mode, unless the eeprom boot-file parameter was previously set to a value other than kernel/unix.

This example shows how to boot an x86 based system that has 64-bit computing capabilities to run level 3.

Press any key to reboot
           .
           .
           .
                     <<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@0/cmdk@0,0:a
Boot args: 
Type    b [file-name] [boot-flags] <ENTER>      to boot with options
or      i <ENTER>                               to enter boot interpreter
or      <ENTER>                                 to boot with defaults

                  <<< timeout in 5 seconds >>>

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b
SunOS Release 5.10 Version amd64-gate-2004-09-27 64-bit
Copyright 1983-2004 Sun Microsystems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
Use is subject to license terms.
DEBUG enabled
Hostname: venus
NIS domain name is example.com
checking ufs filesystems
/dev/rdsk/c1d0s7: is logging.
venus console login:

Example 16-2 x64: Manually Booting a System That Has 64-Bit Computing Capabilities in 64-Bit Mode to Run Level 3 (Multiuser Level)

For new installations, typing b at the boot prompt automatically boots 64-bit capable x86 based systems to 64-bit mode. For upgrades, typing b at the boot prompt also boots 64-bit capable x86 based systems to 64-bit mode, unless the eeprom boot-file parameter was previously set to a value other than kernel/unix.

This example shows how to manually boot this type of system in 64-bit mode to run level 3.

# init 0
# svc.startd: The system is coming down.  Please wait.
svc.startd: 68 system services are now being stopped.
umount: /etc/svc/volatile busy
svc.startd: The system is down.
syncing file systems... done
Press any key to reboot.

Initializing system
Please wait...


                     <<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@0/cmdk@0,0:a
Boot args:

Type    b [file-name] [boot-flags] <ENTER>    to boot with options
or      i <ENTER>                             to enter boot interpreter
or      <ENTER>                               to boot with defaults

                  <<< timeout in 5 seconds >>>

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b kernel/amd64/unix
SunOS Release 5.10 Version amd64-gate-2004-09-27 64-bit
Copyright 1983-2004 Sun Microsystems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
Use is subject to license terms.
DEBUG enabled
Hostname: venus
NIS domain name is example.com
checking ufs filesystems
/dev/rdsk/c1d0s7: is logging.
venus console login:

Example 16-3 Manually Booting a System That Has 64-Bit Computing Capabilities in 32–Bit Mode to Run Level 3 (Multiuser Level)

For new installations, typing b at the boot prompt automatically boots 64-bit capable x86 based systems to 64-bit mode. For upgrades, typing b at the boot prompt also boots 64-bit capable x86 based systems to 64-bit mode, unless the eeprom boot-file parameter was previously set to a value other than kernel/unix.

This example shows how to manually boot this type of system in 32-bit mode to run level 3.

# init 0
# svc.startd: The system is coming down.  Please wait.
svc.startd: 68 system services are now being stopped.
umount: /etc/svc/volatile busy
svc.startd: The system is down.
syncing file systems... done
Press any key to reboot.
Resetting...
If the system hardware has changed, or to boot from a different
device, interrupt the autoboot process by pressing ESC.

                                                    
Initializing system
Please wait...


                     <<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@0/cmdk@0,0:a
Boot args: 

Type    b [file-name] [boot-flags] <ENTER>     to boot with options
or      i <ENTER>                              to enter boot interpreter
or      <ENTER>                                to boot with defaults

                  <<< timeout in 5 seconds >>>

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b kernel/unix
SunOS Release 5.10 Version amd64-gate-2004-09-30 32-bit
Copyright 1983-2004 Sun Microsystems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
Use is subject to license terms.
DEBUG enabled
Hostname: venus
NIS domain name is example.com
checking ufs filesystems
/dev/rdsk/c1d0s7: is logging.
venus console login:

x86: How to Boot a System to Run Level S (Single-User Level)

Use this procedure to boot a system that is currently at run level 0 to run level S.

  1. If the system displays the Press any key to reboot prompt, press any key to reboot the system.

    You can also use the Reset button at this prompt. If the system is shut down, turn the system on with the power switch.

    The Current Boot Parameters menu is displayed after a few minutes.

  2. Type b -s to boot the system to run level S. Press Enter.

    If you do not make a selection within five seconds, the system is automatically booted to run level 3.

  3. Type the superuser password, if prompted.
  4. Verify that the system is at run level S.
    # who -r
       .       run-level S  Jul 19 14:37     S      0  3
  5. Perform the maintenance task that required the run level change to S.
  6. After you complete the system maintenance task, type Control-D to bring the system to the multiuser state.

Example 16-4 x86: Booting a System to Run Level S (Single-User Level)

Press any key to reboot.
Resetting...
.
.
.
Initializing system 
Please wait...


                     <<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@0/cmdk@0,0:a
Boot args:

Type    b [file-name] [boot-flags] <ENTER>     to boot with options
or      i <ENTER>                              to enter boot interpreter
or      <ENTER>                                to boot with defaults

                  <<< timeout in 5 seconds >>>

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b -s
SunOS Release 5.10 Version amd64-gate-2004-09-30 32-bit
Copyright 1983-2004 Sun Microsystems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
Use is subject to license terms.
DEBUG enabled
Booting to milestone "milestone/single-user:default".
Hostname: venus
NIS domain name is example.com
Requesting System Maintenance Mode
SINGLE USER MODE

Root password for system maintenance (control-d to bypass): xxxxxx
Entering System Maintenance Mode
.
.
.
# who -r
   .       run-level S  Jul 19 14:37     S      0  3
(Perform some maintenance task)
# ^D

x86: How to Boot a System Interactively

Use this procedure to boot a system when you need to specify an alternate kernel or the /etc/system file.

  1. If the system displays the Press any key to reboot prompt, press any key to reboot the system.

    You can also use the reset button at this prompt. If the system is shut down, turn the system on with the power switch.

    The Primary Boot Subsystem menu is displayed after a few minutes.

  2. Select the Solaris partition (if not marked as active) from the list. Press Enter.

    If you do not make a selection within five seconds, the active boot partition is selected automatically.

    The Current Boot Parameters menu is displayed after a few minutes.

  3. Type b -a to boot the system interactively. Press Enter.

    If you do not make a selection within five seconds, the system is automatically booted to run level 3.

  4. Answer the following system prompts:
    1. When prompted, enter the name of the kernel to use for booting.

      Press enter to use the default kernel file name. Otherwise, provide the name of an alternate kernel, press Enter.

    2. When prompted, provide an alternate path for the module directories.

      Press enter to use the default module directories. Otherwise, provide the alternate paths to module directories, press Enter.

    3. When prompted, provide the name of an alternate system file.

      Type /dev/null if your /etc/system file has been damaged.

    4. When prompted, enter the root file system type.

      Press enter to select local disk booting with UFS, which is the default, or enter NFS for network booting.

    5. When prompted, enter the physical name of root device.

      Provide an alternate device name or press return to use the default.

  5. If you are not prompted to answer these questions, verify that you typed the boot -a command correctly.

Example 16-5 x86: Booting a System Interactively

In the following example, the default choices (shown in square brackets []) are accepted.

Press any key to reboot.
Resetting...
.
.
.
Autobooting from bootpath: /pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@0/cmdk@0,0:a


If the system hardware has changed, or to boot from a different
device, interrupt the autoboot process by pressing ESC.


Initializing system
Please wait...


                     <<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@0/cmdk@0,0:a
Boot args:

Type    b [file-name] [boot-flags] <ENTER>     to boot with options
or      i <ENTER>                              to enter boot interpreter
or      <ENTER>                                to boot with defaults
Running Configuration Assistant...
                  <<< timeout in 5 seconds >>>

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b -a
Enter default directory for modules [/platform/i86pc/kernel /kernel /usr/kernel]:
Press Enter
Name of system file [etc/system]: Press Enter
SunOS Release 5.10 Version amd64-gate-2004-09-30 32-bit
Copyright 1983-2004 Sun Microsystems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
Use is subject to license terms.
DEBUG enabled
root filesystem type [ufs]: Press Enter
Enter physical name of root device[/pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@0/cmdk@0,0:a]: Press Enter
Hostname: venus
NIS domain name is example.com
checking ufs filesystems
/dev/rdsk/c1d0s7: is logging.
venus console login:

x86: Booting From the Network

Any system can boot from the network if a boot server is available. You might want to boot a stand-alone system from the network for recovery purposes if the system cannot boot from the local disk.

You can boot Solaris OS x86 based systems directly from a network without the Solaris boot diskette on x86 based systems that support the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) network booting protocol. The PXE network boot is available only for devices that implement the Intel Preboot Execution Environment specification. If the system is capable of a PXE network boot, you might want to boot the system directly from the network without using either the Device Configuration Assistant boot diskette or the Solaris Software 1 CD or DVD.


Note - In this Oracle Solaris release, the software is delivered on DVD only.


x86: How to Boot a System From the Network

This procedure includes instructions for booting an x86 based system from the network with the Solaris Device Configuration Assistant. Note that the behavior of the Device Configuration assistant changed, starting with the Oracle Solaris OS.

Starting with the Solaris 10 1/06 release, GRUB based booting has been implemented on x86 based systems that are running the Solaris OS. The GRUB menu replaces the Device Configuration Assistant. For information about booting an x86 based system from the Network with GRUB, see Booting an x86 Based System from the Network.

There are two network configuration strategies, Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP) or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). The default network boot strategy for a PXE network boot is DHCP. The default network boot strategy for non-PXE devices is RARP. For non-PXE devices, you can use either strategy, depending on whether a RARP boot server or a DHCP boot server is available on your network.


Note - If you use a DHCP server for PXE network boots, additional DHCP configuration is required. For general information on DHCP configuration, see Part III, DHCP, in System Administration Guide: IP Services. If you want to set up your DHCP server to support installation, see Oracle Solaris 10 9/10 Installation Guide: Network-Based Installations.


If you are performing a PXE network boot, or if you are booting the system from the Solaris Software media, the system boots automatically. The Device Configuration Assistant menu is no longer displayed by default. If you are booting a non-PXE device, you will need to follow the steps in this procedure that describe how to enter the Device Configuration Assistant menu to change the network configuration.

  1. Insert the Device Configuration Assistant boot diskette or the Solaris Software media that you want to boot from.
    • Or, use the system or network adapter BIOS configuration program to enable the PXE network boot.
      • If you are using the boot diskette, the first menu of the Device Configuration Assistant is displayed.

      • If you are using the Oracle Solaris Software 1 CD, DVD, or booting a PXE device from the network, the system boots automatically.

        If you choose to change the network configuration and enter the Device Configuration Assistant menu, press ESC when the following message is displayed.

        If the system hardware has changed, or to boot from a different
        device, interrupt the autoboot process by pressing ESC.
        
        Press ESCape to interrupt autoboot in 5 seconds.

    The Device Configuration Assistant screen is displayed.

  2. If the system displays the Press any key to reboot prompt, press any key to reboot the system.

    You can also use the reset button at this prompt. If the system is shut down, turn the system on with the power switch.

  3. Press the F2 key (F2_Continue) to scan for devices.

    Device identification is performed. Then, the Identified Devices screen is displayed.

  4. Press the F2 key (F2_Continue) to load drivers.

    Bootable drivers are loaded. Then, the Boot Solaris menu is displayed.

  5. Use the Device Configuration Assistant to change the network configuration.
    1. Press the F4 key (F4_Boot Tasks).
    2. Select Set Network Configuration Strategy. Press the F2 key (F2_Continue).
    3. Select either RARP or DHCP and press the F2 key (F2_Continue).

      Note - The previous step applies only if you are booting a non-PXE device from the network. For a PXE network boot, you must use DHCP, which is the default network boot strategy.


      A message that confirms your new network boot strategy is displayed. Your network boot strategy selection is saved as the default network boot method for the next time the diskette is used for booting.

    4. Press F3_Back to return to the Boot Solaris menu.
  6. Select NET as the boot device.
  7. Press F2 to continue to boot the network device.

    The Solaris boot option screen is displayed.

x86: Using the Device Configuration Assistant


Note - In this Solaris release the Device Configuration Assistant has been replaced by the GRUB menu. For more information about this feature, see Booting an x86 Based System by Using GRUB (Task Map).


Solaris 10: The Device Configuration Assistant for the Oracle Solaris x86 based systems is a program that enables you to perform various hardware configuration and booting tasks.

You can access the Device Configuration Assistant menu from either of the following:

For the procedures in this chapter, you might be requested to insert the Device Configuration Assistant boot diskette to boot the Configuration Assistant. Alternately, if your system's BIOS supports booting from the CD or DVD, you can insert the Solaris Software 1 CD or DVD to boot the Device Configuration Assistant.

x86: How to Enter the Device Configuration Assistant

Solaris 10: This procedure shows how to interrupt the boot process to enter the Device Configuration Assistant. In the current Solaris release, the GRUB menu replaces the Device Configuration Assistant.

  1. Boot the system.
    • If you are booting from the Device Configuration boot diskette, the first menu of the Device Configuration Assistant is displayed after a few minutes.

    • If you are booting from the Oracle Solaris Software 1 CD, DVD, hard disk, or performing a PXE network boot, the following message is displayed:

      If the system hardware has changed, or to boot from a different
      device, interrupt the autoboot process by pressing ESC.
      
      Press ESCape to interrupt autoboot in 5 seconds.

      If you choose to enter the Device Configuration Assistant menu, press ESC to interrupt the autoboot process.

      The Device Configuration Assistant menu is displayed.

  2. If the system displays the Press any key to reboot prompt, press any key to reboot the system.

    You can also use the reset button at this prompt. If the system is shut down, turn the system on with the power switch.

x86: How to Stop a System for Recovery Purposes

  1. Stop the system by using one of the following commands, if possible:
    • If the system is running, become superuser and type init 0 to stop the system. After the Press any key to reboot prompt appears, press any key to reboot the system.
    • If the system is running, become superuser and type init 6 to reboot the system.
  2. If the system doesn't respond to any input from the mouse or keyboard, press the Reset key, if it exists, to reboot the system. Or, you can use the power switch to reboot the system.

x86: How to Boot a System for Recovery Purposes

Follow these steps to boot the system to repair a critical system resource. The example shows you how to boot from an Oracle Solaris Software CD, DVD, or from the network, mount the root (/) file system on the disk, and repair the /etc/passwd file.

Substitute the device name of the file system to be repaired for the device-name variable. If you need help identifying a system's device names, refer to Displaying Device Configuration Information in System Administration Guide: Devices and File Systems.

  1. Stop the system by using the system's Stop key sequence.

    Use the Stop key sequence for your system if you don't know the root password, or if you can't log in to the system. For more information, see x86: How to Stop a System for Recovery Purposes.

  2. Boot the system from the Oracle Solaris Software CD, DVD, or from the network, to single-user mode.
    1. Insert the Device Configuration Assistant boot diskette or the Oracle Solaris Software CD or DVD that you want to boot from.

      Note - If you are using the boot diskette the Device Configuration Assistant menu is displayed. If you are using the Oracle Solaris Software CD or DVD, the system boots automatically. To enter the Device Configuration Assistant menu, press ESC to interrupt the boot process, when prompted by the system.


    2. If the system displays the Press any key to reboot prompt, press any key to reboot the system.

      You can also use the Reset button at this prompt. If the system is shut down, turn the system on with the power switch.

  3. The Current Boot Parameters menu is displayed after a few minutes.
  4. Type b -s at the prompt. Press Enter.

    After a few minutes, the single-user mode # prompt is displayed.

  5. Mount the root (/) file system that contains the invalid passwd file.
  6. Change to the newly mounted etc directory.
  7. Make the necessary change to the file by using an editor.
  8. Change to the root (/) directory.
  9. Unmount the /a directory.
  10. Reboot the system. Verify that the system has booted to run level 3.

    The login prompt is displayed when the boot process has finished successfully.

    host-name console login:

Example 16-6 x86: Solaris 10: Booting a System for Recovery Purposes

The following example shows how to repair the /etc/passwd file after booting the system automatically from a local CD-ROM in Oracle Solaris 10. GRUB based booting was introduced in the Solaris 10 1/06 release. For information about booting a system for recovery purposes in a GRUB based boot environment, see How to Boot an x86 Based System in Failsafe Mode.

SunOS Secondary Boot version 3.00



                              Solaris Booting System



Running Configuration Assistant...





If the system hardware has changed, or to boot from a different
device, interrupt the autoboot process by pressing ESC.

Press ESCape to interrupt autoboot in 5 seconds.





Initializing system
Please wait...


                         <<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@1/sd@0,0:a
Boot args:


Select the type of installation you want to perform:

                1 Solaris Interactive
                2 Custom JumpStart
                3 Solaris Interactive Text (Desktop session)
                4 Solaris Interactive Text (Console session)
Enter the number of your choice followed by the <ENTER> key.
Alternatively, enter custom boot arguments directly.

If you wait for 30 seconds without typing anything,
an interactive installation will be started.

Select type of installation: b -s
      .
      .
      .
# mount /dev/dsk/c0t0d0s0 /a
      .
      .
      .
# cd /a/etc
# vi passwd
(Remove invalid entry)
# cd /
# umount /a
# init 6

x86: How to Boot a System With the Kernel Debugger (kmdb)

This procedure shows the basics for loading the kernel debugger (kmdb) in Oracle Solaris 10. The savecore feature is enabled by default. For more detailed information about using the kernel debugger, see the Oracle Solaris Modular Debugger Guide.

For step-by-step instructions on booting a system with the kernel debugger in the current Solaris release, see x86: How to Boot a System With the Kernel Debugger in the GRUB Boot Environment (kmdb).

  1. Boot the system.
  2. Type b -k at the Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter prompt. Press Enter.
  3. Access the kernel debugger.

    The method used to enter the debugger is dependent upon the type of console that is used to access the system:

    • If a locally attached keyboard is being used, press F1–A.

    • If a serial console is being used, send a break by using the method appropriate to the type of serial console that is being used.

    A welcome message is displayed when you access the kernel debugger for the first time.

Example 16-7 x86: Booting a System With the Kernel Debugger (kmdb)

Typing b -k at the Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter boot prompt boots a system to its default mode and also loads kmdb. This example shows how to boot an x86 based system that has 32–bit computing capabilities to 32–bit mode and also load kmdb.

Press any key to reboot.
.
.
.
<<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@0/cmdk@0,0:a
Boot args:

Type    b [file-name] [boot-flags] <ENTER>     to boot with options
or      i <ENTER>                              to enter boot interpreter
or      <ENTER>                                to boot with defaults
Running Configuration Assistant...
                  <<< timeout in 5 seconds >>>

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b -k
Loading kmdb...
SunOS Release 5.10 Version gate:2004-10-21 32-bit
Copyright 1983-2004 Sun Microsystems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
Use is subject to license terms.
.
.
.

Example 16-8 x64: Manually Booting a System That Has 64-Bit Computing Capabilities to 64-Bit Mode With the Kernel Debugger (kmdb)

This example shows how to manually boot an x86 based system that has 64-bit computing capabilities to 64-bit mode with kmdb.

Press any key to reboot
        .
        .
        .
            <<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@0/cmdk@0,0:a
Boot args:
Type    b [file-name] [boot-flags] <ENTER>     to boot with options
or      i <ENTER>                              to enter boot interpreter
or      <ENTER>                                to boot with defaults

            <<< timeout in 5 seconds >>>

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b kernel/amd64/unix -k
Loading kmdb...

Example 16-9 32-bit x64: Manually Booting a System That Has 64-Bit Computing Capabilities to 32-Bit Mode With the Kernel Debugger (kmdb)

This example shows how to manually boot an x86 based system that has 64-bit computing capabilities to 32-bit mode with kmdb.

Press any key to reboot
        .
        .
        .
            <<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /pci@0,0/pci-ide@7,1/ide@0/cmdk@0,0:a
Boot args:
Type    b [file-name] [boot-flags] <ENTER>     to boot with options
or      i <ENTER>                              to enter boot interpreter
or      <ENTER>                                to boot with defaults

            <<< timeout in 5 seconds >>>

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b kernel/unix -k
Loading kmdb...

x86: Forcing a Crash Dump and Reboot of the System

Forcing a crash dump and rebooting the system is sometimes necessary for troubleshooting purposes. The savecore feature is enabled by default.

For more information on system crash dumps, see Chapter 17, Managing System Crash Information (Tasks), in System Administration Guide: Advanced Administration.

x86: How to Force a Crash Dump and Reboot of the System

If you cannot use the reboot -d or the halt -d command, you can use the kernel debugger, kmdb, to force a crash dump. The kernel debugger must have been loaded, either at boot, or with the mdb -k command, for the following procedure to work.


Note - You must be in text mode to enter the kernel debugger (kmdb). So, first exit any window system.


  1. If a locally-attached keyboard is being used as the system console, press F1-A on that keyboard. If the system is configured to use a remote (serial) console, use the mechanism that is appropriate to that console to send a break character.

    The kmdb prompt is displayed.

  2. Use the systemdump macro to induce a crash.
    [0]> $<systemdump

    Panic messages are displayed, the crash dump is saved, and the system reboots.

  3. Verify that the system has rebooted by logging in at the console login prompt.

Example 16-10 x86: Forcing a Crash Dump and Reboot of the System by Using halt -d

This example shows how to force a crash dump and reboot of the x86 based system neptune by using the halt -d and boot commands. Use this method to force a crash dump of the system. You will need to manually reboot the system after running the halt command with the -d option.

# halt -d
Aug 11 12:51:27 neptune halt:
halted by <user> panic[cpu45]/thread=d3971a00: forced crash dump initiated at user request

d363ae58 genunix:kadmin+bd (5, 0, 0, d3fefac0)
d363af88 genunix:uadmin+88 (5, 0, 0, 0, 0, d363afb4)

syncing file systems... done
dumping to /dev/dsk/c0t0d0s1, offset 107806720, content: kernel
100% done: 40223 pages dumped, compression ratio 4.11, dump succeeded
Press any key to reboot.
Resetting...
.
.
.
SunOS Secondary Boot version 3.00
Autobooting from bootpath: /pci@0,0/pci1028,10a@3/sd@0,0:a 
Running Configuration Assistant... 
If the system hardware has changed, or to boot from a different
device, interrupt the autoboot process by pressing ESC.


Initializing system
Please wait...   

<<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /pci@0,0/pci1028,10a@3/sd@0,0:a
Boot args:

Type    b [file-name] [boot-flags] <ENTER>    to boot with options
or      i <ENTER>                             to enter boot interpreter
or      <ENTER>                               to boot with defaults

                  <<< timeout in 5 seconds >>>

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter:
Loading kmdb...
SunOS Release 5.10 Version s10_62 32-bit
Copyright 1983-2004 Sun Microsystems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
Use is subject to license terms.
configuring IPv4 interfaces: iprb0.
add net default: gateway 172.20.26.248
Hostname: neptune
The system is coming up.  Please wait.
checking ufs filesystems
/dev/rdsk/c0t0d0s7: is logging.
NIS domain name is example.com
starting rpc services: rpcbind keyserv ypbind done.
Setting netmask of iprb0 to 255.255.255.0
Setting default IPv4 interface for multicast: add net 224.0/4: gateway venus
syslog service starting.
System dump time: Wed Aug 11 12:51:29 2004
Aug 11 13:13:26 venus savecore: saving system crash dump in /var/crash/venus/*.1
Constructing namelist /var/crash/venus/unix.1
Constructing corefile /var/crash/venus/vmcore.1
100% done: 42157 of 42157 pages saved
volume management starting.
The system is ready.
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x64: Troubleshooting a Failed 64-Bit Boot

In some instances, an attempt to boot a 64-bit capable x86 based system to 64-bit mode might fail. This failure might produce an error similar to the following:

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b kernel/amd64/unix
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pci: cannot load driver
Cannot load drivers for /pci@0,0/pci1022,7450@a/pci17c2,10@4/sd@0,0:a
(Can't load the root filesystem)
Press any key to reboot.
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In the event such a failure occurs, boot the system to 32-bit mode by typing the following command at the Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter boot prompt:

Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b kernel/unix

For more information, see Example 16-3.