Problem installing AIX 5.3 on RS6000 B50

[Job317]

Hi again group,

I thought I posted this yesterday but I never saw it hit the list (maybe fat-fingered something) so here goes again...

I have a new (well, new to me) RS6000 B50 which I am trying to install AIX 5.3 from CDROM. The install seems to go OK (slow, but OK) but I am never prompted to enter a root password, a user account or any network configuration.

When the install is complete the system reboots and I get a "Console Login:" prompt. If I type "root" I get a new "Login:" prompt. If I retype "root" it goes back to the "Console Login:" prompt.

I have installed using a Windows XP Hyper Terminal since the B50 has no VGA card or other video connection.

Can anyone give a clue as to what I am missing (or did wrong)?

Thanks.

 

[dial8d]

Are you using a null modem cable to connect to the serial port ?

In my experience, IBM systems can be a bit fussy about the type of cable used.

 

[Job317]

I used a serial cable to connect to the WinXP machine using HyperTerminal. I don't know if it's a "null modem cable" or not as it's not printed anywhere on the cable that I can see.

Can you elaborate on why IBM would be "fussy" about the type of cable since I already pointed out that I did go through the install with (apparently) no problems using this cable?

Thanks

 

[dial8d]

There is a post from Sterfield in this link which explains a bit more about it.

http://www.pseriestech.org/forum/ad...n/vio-server-cant-get-serial-console-599.html

It might not be your exact problem, as you seem to be getting a console login prompt. I have seen cases AIX can be installed using a serial cable, but after the reboot, no console login appears, or responds to keyboard strokes. Its this issue which is down to the wrong type of rs232 cable.

Have you tried different terminal settings ? if so, what have you tried ?

 

[Job317]

As I said in my original post, once the system reboots I get a "Console login:" prompt. I type "root" and hit enter, then I get a new "login" (not "Console login:") prompt. I type "root" again then hit enter which gives me the "Console login:" prompt again (ad infinitum).

Clearly keyboard input is being accepted. If I read your post correct, the keyboard input would not work at all if the cable were wrong (or am I mistaken?).

With this information in mind, are you suggesting that it could still be the type of cable? Does that explain why I was never prompted to provide a user account, network configuration or even a root password during the install?

Thanks.

 

[dial8d]

Yes, i would still check out the cable and/or terminal settings.

The cable issue seems to be something to do with the login signals being sent down different rs232 connections , hence why if you dont have the right cable, you cant login.

 

[Job317]

OK, just so I'm clear, I need a NULL modem serial cable or I *don't* need a null modem serial cable?

 

[dial8d]

Yes, null modem is required, but there are different types of null modem wiring setup.

http://www.lammertbies.nl/comm/info/RS-232_null_modem.html

I dont know which one you need for your system. Best check with IBM support. They should be able to advise you.

 

[DukeSSD]

Oddly IBM do not provide such a cable.

But post 6 in the thread posted above

http://www.pseriestech.org/forum/ad...n/vio-server-cant-get-serial-console-599.html

is correct and the one you are after.