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System Startup, Configuration, and Shutdown Reference Manual: HP 3000 MPE/iX Computer Systems > Chapter 3 System Startup FunctionsUpdating the Operating System |
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This section provides general information on using the MPE/iX and initial system loader (ISL) commands, options, and utilities to update the operating system of a 900 Series HP 3000.
The ISL utility UPDATE is more commonly used than INSTALL. The UPDATE utility replaces the base system files on the system disk with those from a boot tape. Optionally, you can update the configuration data files in the group CONFIG.SYS. Before any other files are restored, UPDATE verifies that the system disk is a valid main system disk. If not, UPDATE halts with an error message. The UPDATE utility is primarily used to replace a current version of the operating system with another version, but you can also use the UPDATE utility to aid in recovering from a severe system failure. If your system fails, you have many options to use to help recover your system. Use UPDATE as a recovery method only after doing the following:
If you are using the UPDATE facility as a recovery method, the opportunity to schedule your system's UPDATE is probably not available to you. Take time to thoroughly examine the UPDATE process before using it as a recovery method. Understanding the UPDATE process can reduce system operator and system manager errors and, therefore, reduce your system's downtime. If you are using the UPDATE utility to replace a current version of the operating system with a newer version, schedule the update for off-peak hours. The update procedure can take up to four hours, depending on the system and the number of subsystem products you have purchased. To reduce the time involved in ensuring the integrity of your backups, schedule the UPDATE immediately after a full system backup. The command to invoke the UPDATE utility is UPDATE. The utility has two initial options, CONFIG/NOCONFIG and START/NOSTART, with additional options if START is selected:
Refer to table 3-4 for more information on the START options available for an update. Enter the options in any order, and separate them from the command and other options by a blank or semicolon. Entering the command UPDATE without listing any options
is the same as specifying the following default options:
The UPDATE utility with its default options instructs the system to perform these tasks:
Restarting of jobs is not permitted after either an UPDATE or an INSTALL, because no jobs exist after an UPDATE or an INSTALL.
Booting the system to MPE/iX using the UPDATE utility may involve preliminary steps depending upon the particulars of your system and its usage. Some of the preliminary steps are listed below:
If you are updating just the configuration of your system and not the operating system, then you have already created the customized SLT, as in step 9 above. You did this when you made your configuration changes in SYSGEN and did a KEEP. This information was transferred to the CSLT at the end of the update process. The following steps are a subset of an operating system update:
If your system fails, you have many options to use to help recover your system. Use the UPDATE utility as a recovery method only after doing the following:
Before updating your system, ensure that you have complete backup tapes. If up-to-date backups do not exist, reschedule the update. The backups provide a method of restoring your data if difficulties arise during the update. You should also retain a hard copy of your system's current configuration. If you use the CONFIG option with UPDATE, UPDATE replaces the configuration files in the group CONFIG.SYS on disk with any that may exist in the CONFIG.SYS on the system load tape (SLT). If you use this option, you can unintentionally replace your system's current configuration files with the ones that UPDATE provides. In the event of an unintended replacement, if you have a listing of your current configuration, you can easily regenerate your system's current configuration. Use SYSGEN to generate current configuration listings. For information on using SYSGEN, refer to Chapter 4 “Using the System Generator (SYSGEN)”. The above information has provided you with an overview of the update process. If you are planning to update your system, please follow the instructions in the HP 3000 MPE/iX Installation, Update, and Add-On Manual (36123-90001) which came with the system tapes. |
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