JavaStation Client Software Guide

Java(TM) Coffee Cup Progress Indicator

Some JavaStation computers use the Java Coffee Cup icon as a progress indicator of the boot process, as follows:

  1. Power on - After basic hardware initialization, the JavaStation logo and its shadow image appear on the JavaStation screen, as shown in the following figure.

    Figure 3-5 Boot Screen at Power-On

    Graphic

  2. Initialize devices - To start the boot process, the JavaStation PROM initializes a boot device. First it checks for on-board flash memory. If a copy of JavaOS is stored in the flash and is valid, control is passed to this copy of JavaOS. If not, control stays with the PROM. Next, the JavaStation Ethernet port is tried. If the port is connected, the PROM (or JavaOS) will proceed with the network boot sequence. During this initialization of boot devices, the saucer of the Coffee Cup icon appears next to the JavaStation logo.

    Figure 3-6 Initializing Boot Devices

    Graphic

  3. Locate network servers - The PROM or JavaOS locates the DHCP server and the boot server on the network. During this step, a cup is added to the saucer.

  4. Download JavaOS - If the boot server is located, a copy of JavaOS is downloaded from the network, and steam appears in the cup.

    Figure 3-7 Downloading JavaOS From Network Server

    Graphic

    After JavaOS is downloaded, the shadow image of the JavaStation logo disappears, as in the following figure.

    Figure 3-8 JavaOS Is Downloaded

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  5. Boot JavaOS - JavaOS takes 10-15 seconds to boot. If the booted copy of JavaOS was obtained from flash (and was not updated by the network), the JavaStation screen displays the background shown above. If the booted copy of JavaOS was downloaded from the network, the JavaStation screen displays a Coffee Cup "wallpaper" background.

  6. Log In - Once JavaOS has booted, the user login window is displayed.

    Figure 3-9 JavaStation Login Window

    Graphic

If at any time an error occurs, an image similar to the following appears.

Figure 3-10 Boot Error Message

Graphic

The list of boot devices below the above image shows how far the boot progressed. If there was a problem with:

the last device tried is represented by the last icon on the boot source line.

A question mark (?) in the error image indicates that the problem is recoverable: if you correct the problem, the boot sequence will continue. For example, if the Ethernet cable is disconnected, you can connect it and the boot sequence will proceed from that point as if nothing had happened. An exclamation point (!) in the error image indicates an unrecoverable error.

Troubleshooting Key Chords

JavaStation computers that boot using the Java Coffee Cup progress indicator also support key chords that can be pressed at the JavaStation keyboard to diagnose boot problems. You must press the chord within four seconds after power on. It may be helpful to press and hold the chord while powering on the JavaStation computer.

Table 3-1 Troubleshooting Key Chords

Key Chord 

Purpose 

Effect When Pressed At Power-On  

Alt+b 

Debug network boot process 

Displays debugging information on booting over the network.  

Alt+w 

Display system information 

Displays total memory, Ethernet address, and firmware information (the display is similar to the error image above).  

Alt+d 

Run diagnostics 

Runs PROM-resident diagnostics and POST. 

Alt+t 

Try flash booting last 

Re-orders the default boot order to try booting in the following sequence: Ethernet, flash. 

Alt+h 

Show all key chords 

Displays all available key chord combinations.