x86: Booting a System (Tasks)

This chapter describes the procedures for booting an x86 based system.

For information on the procedures associated with booting an x86 system, see x86: Booting a System (Task Map).

For overview information about the boot process, see Chapter 10, Shutting Down and Booting a System (Overview).

For step-by-step instructions on booting a SPARC based system, see Chapter 13, SPARC: Booting a System (Tasks).

x86: Booting a System (Task Map)

x86: Booting the Solaris Device Configuration Assistant

The Device Configuration Assistant (Solaris x86 Platform Edition) is a program that enables you to perform various hardware configuration and booting tasks. You can access the Solaris Device Configuration Assistant from either of the following:

• Solaris boot diskette

• Solaris Installation CD or DVD

In the procedures in this chapter, you might be requested to insert the Solaris Device Configuration Assistant boot diskette to boot the Configuration Assistant. If your system's BIOS supports booting from the CD or DVD, you can, instead, insert the Solaris installation CD or DVD to boot the Configuration Assistant.

x86: How to Boot the Solaris Device Configuration Assistant

1. Insert the Solaris Device Configuration Boot Diskette or the Solaris Installation CD or DVD in the appropriate drive.

2. 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 first menu of the Configuration Assistant is displayed after a few minutes.

x86: Booting a System

The following procedures use the reset button to restart the system. If your system does not have a reset button, use the power switch to restart the system. You might be able to press the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys to interrupt system operation, depending upon the state of the system.

x86: How to Boot a System to Run Level 3 (Multiuser Level)

Use this procedure to boot a system (that is currently at run level 0) to run level 3.

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 Current Boot Parameters menu is displayed after a few minutes.

2. Type b to boot the system to run level 3. Press Enter.

   If you do not make a selection within five seconds, the system is automatically booted to run level 3.

3. Verify that the system has booted to run level 3.

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

   hostname console login:

   
   

x86: Example--Booting a System to Run Level 3 (Multiuser Level)

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
             .
             .
             .
venus console login:

x86: How to Boot a System to Run Level S (Single-User Level)

Use this procedure to boot a system (that is currently at run level 0) to run level S.

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 Current Boot Parameters menu is displayed after a few minutes.

2. Type b -s to boot the system to run level S. Press Enter.

   If you do not make a selection within five seconds, the system is automatically booted to run level 3.

3. Type the superuser password, if prompted.

4. Verify that the system is at run level S by using the who -r command.

   # who -r . run-level S Jul 19 14:37 S 0 3

   
   

5. Perform the maintenance task that required the run level change to S.

6. Press Control-D to bring the system back to run level 3.