x86: How to Boot a System Interactively

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

1. If the system displays the Type any key to continue 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 and 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 system prompts as described in the following table.

   System Prompt	Action
   Enter default directory for modules: [/platform/i86pc/kernel /kernel /usr/kernel]:	Provide an alternate path for the modules directory and press Enter. Or, press Enter to use the default modules directory path.
   Name of system file [etc/system]:	Provide the name of an alternate system file and press Enter. Or, press Enter to use the default /etc/system file. Type/dev/null if your /etc/system file has been damaged.
   root filesystem type [ufs]:	Press Enter to use the default root (/) file system. Type: UFS for local disk booting, or NFS for network booting.
   Enter physical name of root device [physical_device_name]:	Provide an alternate device name and press Enter. Or, press Enter to use the default physical name of the root device bootpath.

x86: Example—Booting a System Interactively

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

Type any key to continue
            .
            .
            .
 
                     <<< 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 -a
Enter default directory for modules [/platform/i86pc/kernel /kernel 
/usr/kernel]: Press Enter
Name of system file [etc/system]:Press Enter
SunOS Release 5.9 Version Generic 32-bit
Copyright (c) 1983-2002 by Sun Microsystems, Inc.
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
configuring IPv4 interfaces: dnet0.
Hostname: venus
(fsck messages)
The system is coming up.  Please wait
(More messages)
venus console login: