Stop X-Windows from loading

[mjpearson]

We have an Alpha that seems to be having a lot of problems. VMS loads but when it gets to X-Windows, it tends to "hang". I'm trying to get into the device through the back-door via DecNet but not having much luck.

Is there anyway to stop X-Windows from loading during the boot process and give me a prompt. The problem might be related to the disk. So far, I've been able to use the reset button and BOOT the system but when it starts loading X-Windows, things start to hang. I'd like to retrieve some data before we have to replace the disk.


mike

 

[HughSamson]

If the machine is standalone (not clustered), the following will get you to the minimal system level:

>>> b -fl 0,1
SYSBOOT> SET STARTUP_P1 "MIN"
SYSBOOT> CONT
...

Note this is a MINIMAL boot and not all devices etc will be enabled... nor will all logicals etc be defined.

I'm not in front of a system at the moment, so can't recall off-hand how to disable windows, but still bring the system fully up... no doubt lot's of others on here will be able to get you to that stage if needed...

Hope this helps,or at least get's you out of trouble!

 

[mjpearson]

Thanks for all the input. I'm learning more and more every time I log into tek-tips.

I found some more documentation on the subjet but I haven't had a chance to apply it. One of the most important things that I've read is to use the NOON command. It prevents you from crashing out of the system when something doesn't go right. And I also learned that I need to SPAWN some of the startup files to keep me logged into the system.

Second thing that I've learned is that since my data disk is mounted in SYSTARTUP_VMS, I'll have to manaully mount this disk.

Well, it all looks easy in the books. I'm going to try it tomorrow.

thanks again,


mike