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Installing the Operating System

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This section provides a general overview on using operating system and initial system loader (ISL) commands, options, and utilities to install the operating system of a HP e3000 (Series 900) system.

CAUTION: Specific update and installation instructions are subject to change. This section provides you with an overview of the procedures involved. Do not use these instructions to update your system.

For specific information on using operating system and initial system loader (ISL) commands, options, and utilities to install your operating system using new factory release tapes, refer to the appropriate version of HP e3000 MPE/iX System Software Maintenance Manual. This manual is included with the software tapes for each new release and contains information specific for that release.

The INSTALL utility replaces all files on the system disk with files from the boot tape. These files include the disk logical interface format (LIF) label and directory, the system volume label, the bad sector table, the disk free space map, the system directory (null directory), boot files, and all base system files.

The INSTALL utility builds a null system directory that contains the account SYS. The groups CONFIG, DIAG, MPEXL, and the default configuration groups are added by the INSTALL utility later.

Installing a new version of the operating system can be accomplished by the system manager, except where specially customized software is to be installed. In this case, installation requires a Hewlett-Packard Service Representative.

After completion, the default option (INSTALL START) boots the system from disk.

The INSTALL utility is primarily used to do a first-time installation of the MPE/iX operating system. If you are installing a new release, be sure to follow the exact directions provided in the HP e3000 MPE/iX System Software Maintenance Manual.

The INSTALL utility can also be used to replace current versions of the operating system, boot files, and base system files. Finally, the INSTALL utility can be used as a last resort in system recovery to reload the software.

This section begins with a description of using the INSTALL utility to recover a lost system. The remaining sections provide information on doing a first-time installation or a reinstallation when the system was previously in use.

Using the INSTALL Utility to Recover a Lost System

If your system fails, you have many options to use to help recover your system. Use the INSTALL utility as a recovery method only after doing the following:

  • attempting a START RECOVERY

  • attempting a START NORECOVERY

  • ensuring the validity of your START procedure

  • ensuring that your hardware and hardware code, and current software are functioning properly

  • attempting an update

In the event of a major system failure caused by corrupted files or other possible causes, you can use the INSTALL utility to reload your system. In this procedure, the system is recovered through the use of backup tapes. You use a system load tape created as part of your system backup procedure. Alternately, you may instead use the SLT that the AUTOINST program created when the system was last installed or updated.

NOTE: Do not use these instructions to install your system. They are an overview only, and not a complete listing of tasks. Please refer to the HP e3000 MPE/iX System Software Maintenance Manual for full instructions on installing the system.

The following is an overview of the steps to perform:

  1. Install from the backup or AUTOINST-created SLT and start the system.

  2. Use VOLUTIL to initialize additional system volumes (if any).

  3. Restore the latest partial and full backup tapes.

  4. Shut down the system with the SHUTDOWN command, and reboot the system with START NORECOVERY.

The reinstallation process is now complete.

Scheduling an INSTALL

If you are using the INSTALL utility as a recovery method, the opportunity to schedule your system's installation is probably not available to you. Take time to thoroughly examine the INSTALL process before using it as a recovery method. Understanding the INSTALL process can reduce system operator and system manager error and, therefore, reduce your system's downtime.

Normal operating system replacement should be scheduled for off-peak hours. The INSTALL procedure can take up to five hours, depending on your system and the number of subsystems you have purchased. Schedule the installation immediately after a full backup, if you are not doing a first-time installation.

Using the INSTALL Utility and Options

The command to invoke the INSTALL utility is INSTALL. The utility has one initial option, START/NOSTART, with additional options if START is selected. 

  INSTALL [{ ;START
             ;NOSTART }[options]]

  where options are:  START [;GROUP=cgn] [LOGON=acct]

  [{ ;SINGLE-DISC       [{ ;SINGLE-USER
     ;MULTI-DISC  ]}       ;MULTI-USER  }]

  [{ ;SYSSTART
     ;NOSYSSTART }]
To use INSTALL, enter the INSTALL command with or without START/NOSTART and its options. Separate options from the INSTALL command and other options with a space or semicolon.

Entering the command INSTALL at the ISL prompt without listing any options: 

  ISL> INSTALL
is the same as specifying the following default options: 

  ISL> INSTALL START GROUP=CONFIG LOGON=OPERATOR.&

        SYS MULTI-DISC MULTI-USER SYSSTART
The INSTALL process with its default options instructs the system to perform the following tasks if an autoboot file exists, the autoboot file is enabled, and the START option is specified:

  • Install the operating system, and autoboot the system from disk after the installation is completed.

  • Use the configuration group, CONFIG.SYS.

  • Attempt to log on in the user account OPERATOR.SYS (if there is no OPERATOR.SYS user, you will see the MPE prompt)

  • Bring up all volumes present on the system.

  • Allow access to all mounted volumes by all users.

  • Execute the commands in the system startup file, SYSSTART.PUB.SYS, if it is present.

Installing the Operating System: a Preview

Booting the system to MPE/iX by using the INSTALL utility may involve preliminary steps if your system has previously been in use. When installing a system for the first time, you do not need to be concerned with these preliminary steps discussed below.

Some of the preliminary steps include the following:

  1. Backing up system data.

  2. Removing users and jobs from the system.

  3. Storing to tape any system files that you wish to maintain.

Once you are ready to begin the installation proper, the following are required steps of the process:

  1. Installing from the system load tape.

  2. Restoring the FOS tape.

  3. Restoring the SUBSYS tape.

  4. Creating a customized system load tape.

  5. Updating with the customized system load tape.

  6. Restoring user files, if any.

  7. Starting system for normal operation.

NOTE: Each customer installation is somewhat different. Examine the processes described for areas you may need to customize to fit your system. The following Hewlett-Packard publications will prove useful for updating your system:

  • HP e3000 MPE/iX System Software Maintenance Manual

  • MPE/iX Commands Reference Manual

  • Configuring Systems for Terminals, Printers, and Other Serial Devices

  • HP e3000/iX Network Planning and Configuration Guide

Back up the System and Retain the Current Configuration

If you are installing over an existing system, ensure that it has been thoroughly backed up. If up-to-date backups do not exist, reschedule the installation. The backups provide a method of restoring your data. Please refer to the HP e3000 MPE/iX System Software Maintenance Manual if you need additional information on backing up your system.

You should also retain a hard copy of your system's current configuration. If you have a listing of your current configuration, you can easily regenerate your system's current configuration, if necessary. A customer-generated tape may contain configuration data in the CONFIG.SYS group.

Use SYSGEN to modify the sample configuration file you used when you started the system from the disk. For information on using SYSGEN, refer to Chapter 4 Using the System Generator (SYSGEN) through Chapter 8 Modifying System File Configurations

NOTE: Do not use these instructions to install your system. This information is only an overview. Please refer to the HP e3000 MPE/iX System Software Maintenance Manual for complete installation information.



Updating the Operating System

Dumping System Memory and Secondary Storage