Has anyone in the community acquired a RISC based architecture with out removing the disks? I have several systems that I need to acquire and do not want to disturb the disks. These systems are running AIX v5.2. I’ve tried Helix 1.8, other live CD’s as well as the Encase Boot CD which are not read by the system. My understanding is that because these are based on Intel, the RISC systems will basically ignore them.
Not sure if an AIX live CD or equivalent is floating around. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciative.
Chris
chague,
> I’ve tried Helix 1.8, other live CD’s as well as the Encase Boot CD which are
> not read by the system.
Just out of curiousity, what was it that led you to believe that either would work?
> My understanding is that because these are based on Intel, the RISC
> systems will basically ignore them.
Not so much "ignore"…it's an architecture issue.
H
Hi Harlan,
While doing some research on AIX hardening I came across a tech arterial stating that physical access to the system should be secured from the potential of unauthorized access in-order to prevent the use of a bootable “Linux†CD to bypass system controls.
I know that you can load Linux on these systems, but apparently it has to be RISC based.
Chris
Chris,
Can you provide a link to the "tech arterial" you found?
debaser_ hit the nail on the head…again, it's an architecture issue.
H
This might also be educational…
http//
H
It has been quite a few years since I worked on IBM servers. bootinfo -a should identify the bootlist. Remember, the system boots based upon the bootlist and key position. You can set the bootlist to boot from cd and tape with the key in service postion with "bootlist -m service cd rmt". Just make sure you do not switch the key to normal - then the normal boot occurs. The bootloader defaults to diskette, CD and tape and … when the key is in service mode.
If I am remembering correctly, you can boot from the installation cd and create a sub-shell window with f9 from terminal before you commit to an installation. You should get a limited shell – most of the basic devices should be present- I can not remember is dd is available. I do not think any SSA devices will be accessible due to missing device drivers. They are usually configured during the basic install.
There is no guarantee that hdisk0 will contain the boot image, if you need a fully configured system. See if you can find a recent copy of the boot log to help identify the rootvg. Usually smart SA's create the volume groups with a script and they keep this information documented. Because recreating volume groups is a hassle. The bootinfo -a might tell you?
A good place for info is http//
Good Luck.
Oh I agree that it is an architecture issue, which I learnt very quickly, after waiting what seemed like hours for the system to boot. Ever watch paint dry? That's about how long it takes to POST a PPC. -)
Thanks for the links guys. I will be sure to read up on PPC'(s) After all, being that retail uses about 85% of RISC based systems to process POS data, it will be learning experience.
Chris
"IBM is big on using LVM and a lot of admins use raid configurations spread over multiple drives to insure continued operation even with the rootvg" – That I learnt quickly, 2 physical disks with 3 LVM's configured.
I was able to run the smitty mkcd command which dumped a raw file. I renamed the extension to .iso and burnt a bootable CD. Now just have to see if the DD command is available. Also, I think I can run the mksysb to the dvdrw on the system.
Send your mksysb to tape "rmt" I know that works for sure. I can not remember ever being successful doing that. Maybe it had something to do with the RW - I can't remember and my notes say only rmt.
It sounds to me you are trying to create a caged OS to analyze the disks.
Would it not be simplier and faster to get another hard disk and use that as your rootvg. Since you have only two disks in the system you will have plenty of SCSI IDs available. Unless you are on a 43P then you are going to need cables. Ours cables came preconfigured for the chassis and drives - absolutely no give or slack. Unless you have SCA drives - Yuk!
Sounds like you have your plan, hope it works.
Oh! according to my AIX survial Guide dd will be available.
Chris,
Can you provide a link to the "tech arterial" you found?
H