Using bootlist in Maintenance Mode in AIX Versions 4 and 5

You may need to run the bootlist command if the system hangs on an alternating LED 223/229, alternating LED 225/229, alternating LED 233/235, alternating LED 221/229, alternating LED 222/229, solid LED 221, or solid LED 721. These LEDs indicate that the system cannot locate the boot image.

Other situations may also require that the bootlist command be run. If the bootlist command needs to be run, follow the procedure below. This document applies to AIX Versions 4 and 5.

1. Turn the key to the Service position.

   For most newer PCI-based models, selecting the default bootlist with a bootable tape or CD-ROM loaded in the machine causes the system to automatically boot from that device. On these machines, use the 5 (five) key on the keyboard, not the numeric keypad, if you are using an ASCII terminal. On a locally attached graphics console, use the F5 function key. Either the 5 or F5 key must be pressed just after the keyboard icon or message is displayed on the console. Generally, the next menu on the screen asks the administrator to define the system console. See the document "Booting in Service Mode" if there are any questions about booting your particular machine into Service mode.

2. With bootable media of the same version and level as the system, boot the system.

   The bootable media can be ANY ONE of the following:

   • Bootable CD-ROM
   • NON_AUTOINSTALL mksysb
   • Bootable Install Tape

   Follow the screen prompts to the following menu:

      Welcome to Base Operating System 
      Installation and Maintenance 
   

3. Choose Start Maintenance Mode for System Recovery, option 3. The next screen has the Maintenance menu.

4. Choose Access a Root Volume Group, option 1. The next screen displays a warning that indicates you will not be able to return to Base OS menu without rebooting.

5. Choose 0 continue. The next screen displays information about all volume groups on the system.

6. Select the root volume group by number.

7. Choose Access this volume group and start a shell, option 1.

   If you get errors from the preceding option, do not continue with the rest of this procedure. Correct the problem causing the error. If you need assistance correcting the problem, contact one of the following:

   • local branch office
   • your point of sale
   • your AIX support center

   If no errors occur, proceed with the following steps.

8. Determine which disk is the boot disk with the lslv command. The boot disk will be shown in the PV1 column of the lslv output. Enter:

      lslv -m hd5 
   

9. Use the bootlist command to rebuild the boot list. (# is the number of the fixed disk, determined with the preceding command.)

      bootlist -m normal [hdisk#] 
   

10. With the key in Normal position, shut down and reboot.

       shutdown -Fr 
    

11. If running the bootlist command did not fix the problem and you need further assistance, contact one of the following:
    • local branch office
    • your point of sale
    • your AIX support center

[ Doc Ref: 90605198314826     Publish Date: Jun. 21, 2001]