x86: How to Boot a System for Recovery Purposes

Recovering from a invalid /etc/passwd file is used as an example of how to boot a system for recovery purposes.

Substitute the device name of the file system to be repaired for the devicename variable identified in the procedures below. If you need help identifying a system's device names, refer to Chapter 20, Accessing Devices (Overview).

Follow the instructions below depending on whether you are booting from the Solaris 2 installation CD or the network.

1. Boot from the Solaris 2 installation CD (or the network) to single-user mode using steps a-f.

   If you are booting from the network, skip steps a and b.

   1. Insert the Solaris 2 installation CD into the CD caddy.

   2. Insert the CD caddy into the CD-ROM drive.

   3. (Optional) Insert the Configuration Assistant/Boot Diskette into the primary diskette drive (DOS drive A) if the disk you are booting from doesn't contain the Solaris 2.6 Intel Platform Edition or compatible versions.

   4. Press any key to reboot the system if the system displays the Type any key to reboot prompt. You can also use the reset button at this prompt. If the system is shut down, turn the system on with the power (on/off) switch.

   5. Press the F2 key (F2_Continue) at the Solaris Device Configuration Assistant screen.

      Device identification is performed and a screen that displays the identified devices appears.

   6. Press the F2 key (F2_Continue) at the Identified Devices screen.

      Bootable drivers are loaded.

   7. Select the CD-ROM drive or net(work) as the boot device from the Boot Solaris screen. Then press the F2 key (F2_Continue).

      The Solaris boot option screen is displayed.

   8. Type b -s at the Select the type of installation: prompt.

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

2. Mount the root (/) file system that has the invalid passwd file.

   # mount /dev/dsk/devicename /a

3. Change to the newly mounted etc directory.

   # cd /a/etc

4. Set the terminal type.

   # TERM=AT386 # export TERM

5. Make the necessary change to the passwd file using an editor.

   # vi passwd

6. Change to the root (/) directory.

   # cd /

7. Unmount the /a directory.

   # umount /a

8. Reboot the system.

   # init 6

9. Verify the system boots to run level 3.

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

   hostname console login:

x86: Example--Booting a System for Recovery Purposes

Type any key to reboot
 
SunOS Secondary Boot version 3.00
 
 
		Solaris Intel Platform Edition Booting System
 
 
Running Configuration Assistant...
Autobooting from bootpath: /eisa/eha@1,4000/sd@0,0:a
 
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.
      .
      .
      .
Boot Solaris
 
Select one of the identified devices to boot the Solaris kernel and
choose Continue.
 
To perform optional features, such as modifying the autoboot and property
settings, choose Boot Tasks.
 
An asterisk (*) indicates the current default boot device.
 
> To make a selection use the arrow keys, and press Enter to mark it [X].
 
  [ ] DISK: Target 0, IMPRIMIS 94241-7			0888
	    on Adaptec 1740/1742 SCSI controller in EISA Slot 4
  [ ] CD  : Target 2, TOSHIBA  CD-ROM XM-3501TA 3054
	    on Adaptec 1740/1742 SCSI controller in EISA Slot 4
  [ ] NET : SMC EtherCard Elite32C Ethernet adapter
	    in EISA Slot 6
 
 
F2_Continue		F3_Back		F4_Boot Tasks		F6_Help
      .
      .
      .
                     <<< Current Boot Parameters >>>
Boot path: /eisa/smceu@0,0
Boot args: kernel/unix -r
 
 
 
Select the type of installation you want to perform:
 
	1 Solaris Interactive
	2 Custom JumpStart
	3 Solaris Web Start
 
Enter the number of your choice followed by <ENTER> the key.
 
If you enter anything else, or if you wait for 30 seconds,
an interactive installation will be started.
 
Select type of installation:  
Select (b)oot or (i)nterpreter: b -s
# mount /dev/dsk/c0t3d0s0 /a
# cd /a/etc
# TERM=AT386
# export TERM
# vi passwd
(Remove invalid entry)
# cd /
# umount /a
# init 6