Booting From the Network, General Problems

The system boots from the network, but from a system other than the specified install server.

Cause: An /etc/bootparams and perhaps /etc/ethers entry exist on another system for the client.

Solution: On the name server, update the /etc/bootparams entry for the system that is being installed. The entry should conform to the following syntax:

install_system root=boot_server:path install=install_server:path

Also, ensure that only one bootparams entry is on the subnet for the install client.

After you set up an install server and configure the system to install Solaris 9 from the network, the system still does not boot. (SPARC based systems only)

Cause: The tftpd might not be running on the install server.

Solution: Be sure the tftpd daemon is running on the install server. Type the following command:

# ps -ef | grep tftpd

If this command does not return a line that indicates that the tftpd daemon is running, edit the /etc/inetd.conf file and remove the comment (#) character from the following line:

# tftp dgram udp wait root /usr/sbin/in.tftpd in.tftpd \ -s /tftpboot

After making this change, try booting the system again.

After setting up an install server and configuring the system to install from the network, the system still does not boot. (x86 based systems only)

Cause: The rpld daemon might not be running on the install server.

Solution: Be sure the rpld daemon is running on the install server. Type the following command:

# ps -ef | grep rpld

If this command does not return a line indicating the rpld daemon is running, execute the following command:

# /usr/sbin/rpld

After making this change, try booting the system again.

Initial Installation of the Solaris 9 Operating Environment

Initial installation fails

Solution: If the Solaris installation fails, you must restart the installation. To restart the installation, boot the system from the Solaris DVD, Solaris Installation CD, the Solaris Software 1 of 2, or from the network.

You cannot uninstall the Solaris software after the software has been partially installed. You must restore your system from a backup or begin the Solaris installation process again.

/cdrom/Solaris_9/SUNWxxxx/reloc.cpio: Broken pipe

Description: This error message does not affect the installation.

Solution: Ignore the message and continue with the installation.

WARNING: CHANGE DEFAULT BOOT DEVICE (x86 based systems only)

Cause: This is an informational message. The default boot device set in the system's BIOS might be set to a device that requires you to use the Solaris Device Configuration Assistant x86 Platform Edition diskette to boot the system.

Solution: Continue with the installation and, if necessary, change the system's default boot device specified in the BIOS after you install the Solaris software to a device that does not require the Solaris Device Configuration Assistant x86 Platform Edition diskette.

x86: To Check IDE Disk for Bad Blocks

IDE disk drives do not automatically map out bad blocks like other drives supported by Solaris software. Before installing Solaris 9 on an IDE disk, you might want to perform a surface analysis on the disk. To perform surface analysis on an IDE disk, follow this procedure.

1. Boot to the installation media in single-user mode.

   # b -s

   
   

2. Start the format program.

   # format

   
   

3. Specify the IDE disk drive on which you want to perform a surface analysis.

   # cxdy

   
   

   cx	Is the controller number
   dy	Is the device number

4. You need an fdisk partition.

   • If a Solaris fdisk partition already exists, proceed to Step 5.

   • If a Solaris fdisk partition does not exist, use the fdisk command to create a Solaris partition on the disk.

   format> fdisk

   
   

5. Type:

   format> analyze

   
   

6. Type:

   analyze> config

   
   

   The current settings for a surface analysis are displayed.

   1. If you want to change settings, type:

      analyze> setup

      
      

7. Type:

   analyze> type_of_surface_analysis

   
   

   type_of_surface_analysis

   Is read, write, or compare

   If format finds bad blocks, it re-maps them.

8. Type:

   analyze> quit

   
   

9. Do you want to specify blocks to re-map?

   • If no, go to Step 10.

   • If yes, type:

     format> repair

     
     

10. Type:

    quit

    
    

    The format program quits.

11. To restart the media in multiuser mode, type:

    ok b