Digital Equipment 300 Series AXP Guide

VAX 4000 Model 300
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
Order Number EK–386AB–TS–002
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

First Printing, March 1990
Revised, June 1991
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S1621
This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 1.2.

Contents
Preface v
Chapter 1 Troubleshooting During Power-Up
1.1 Autobooting the System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
1.2 Troubleshooting Power-Up Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
1.2.1 Problems During Self-Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
1.2.2 General Problems During Boot Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3
1.2.3 Problems Booting from an RF-Series Integrated Storage
Element(ISE) .................................. 1–4
1.2.4 Problems Booting from a Tape Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–4
Chapter 2 Troubleshooting During Normal Operation
2.1 SystemProblems .................................. 2–1
2.2 RF-Series Integrated Storage Element (ISE) Problems . . . . . 2–2
2.3 TF85 Tape Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
2.4 TK50 Tape Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4
2.5 TK70 Tape Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–5
2.6 TLZ04 Tape Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–5
Chapter 3 Running the MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor (MDM)
3.1 MDMLimitations ................................. 3–1
3.2 Preparing to Run MDM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2
3.2.1 Preparing to Run MDM on a Diskless or Tapeless System 3–2
3.2.2 Preparing to Run MDM on an RF-Series Integrated
Storage Element (ISE) or Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3
3.2.3 Preparing to Run MDM on a Dual-Host System . . . . . . . . 3–3
3.2.3.1 MDM on a Dual-Host System with One Tape Drive . . . . 3–3
3.2.3.2 MDM on a Dual-Host System with Two Tape Drives . . . 3–4
iii

3.3 StartingMDM .................................... 3–5
3.3.1 Tape Drive Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5
3.3.1.1 Booting MDM Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
3.3.1.2 Booting MDM Automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7
3.3.2 RRD-Series Disc Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7
3.4 MDM Introductory Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–8
3.5 MainMenuOptions................................ 3–9
3.5.1 Test the System Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–9
3.5.2 Display System Configuration and Devices Option . . . . . . 3–11
3.5.3 Display the System Utilities Menu Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13
3.5.3.1 IOADDRES Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13
3.5.3.2 Update Drive Unit Number for RRD-Series Function . . 3–14
3.5.4 Display the Service Menu Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–14
3.5.5 Display the Connect/Ignore Menu Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–14
3.5.6 Select Single Device Tests Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–14
3.6 ExitingMDM..................................... 3–17
Appendix A System Controls and Indicators
Index
Figures
3–1 MainMenu ...................................... 3–9
3–2 Example of an Unsuccessful Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–10
3–3 System Configuration and Devices Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–11
3–4 System Utilities Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13
3–5 Select Single Device Test Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–15
3–6 Example of a Successful Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–16
3–7 Example of an Unsuccessful Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–16
A–1 System Control Panel and Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–3
A–2 Integrated Storage Element and Console Module . . . . . . . . . A–5
A–3 TK50 and TK70 Tape Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–7
A–4 TF85 and TLZ04 Tape Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–9
iv

Preface
Troubleshooting is the process of isolating and diagnosing problems. When
your system does not operate as described in your Operation manual, use
the information in this manual to isolate and diagnose the problem.
This manual contains three chapters and one appendix:
• Chapter 1 lists problems you may experience at power-up and provides
corrective actions.
• Chapter 2 lists problems you may experience during normal operation
and provides corrective actions.
• Chapter 3 tells you how to run the MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor
(MDM), a diagnostic tool you can use to test your system periodically
or to isolate a particular problem.
• Appendix A contains illustrations showing the location of your system
controls and indicators.
If the corrective actions suggested in Chapters 1 and 2 do not solve the
problem, call your Digital service representative.
A glossary in your Operation manual will help you with word definitions
and abbreviations.
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual.
Convention Meaning
Key A terminal key used in text and examples. For example, Break indicates
that you press the Break key on your terminal keyboard.
Ctrl/C Hold down the Ctrl key while you press the C key.
NOTE Provides general information about the current topic.
CAUTION Provides information to prevent damage to equipment or software.
v

Chapter 1
Troubleshooting During Power-Up
After you turn on your system, the processor performs a series of self-tests
and startup routines. After successful completion of the self-tests, if the
Break Enable/Disable switch is set to disable (down), your system autoboots
system software.
1.1 Autobooting the System Software
Your system boots automatically (autoboots) from a specified drive after
you enter the command SET BOOT device-name from console mode. Your
system continues to boot from the specified drive each time it is turned
on, until you specify differently by entering the SET BOOT device-name
command again.
If you do not enter the SET BOOT device-name command, your system
boots from the Ethernet port, EZA0.
1.2 Troubleshooting Power-Up Problems
Refer to the descriptions of problems and corrective actions in the following
sections. If the action(s) listed do not solve the problem, call your Digital
service representative.
1.2.1 Problems During Self-Tests
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
No response when Power
switch turned on; AC Pre-
sent indicator not lit.
System not plugged in. Set Power switch to 0. Plug in system.
Set Power switch to 1.
No power at wall outlet. Use different wall outlet or check
circuit breaker controlling power to
wall outlet.
Power switch (circuit
breaker) tripped (in po-
sition 0).
Wait 1 minute, then set Power switch
to position 1. If it trips again, call your
Digital service representative.
Troubleshooting During Power-Up 1–1

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Power cable incorrectly
installed. Set Power switch to 0. Check that cable is fully seated in socket. Set
Power switch to 1.
AC Present indicator lit;
DC OK indicator not lit. Power Control Bus cable
connected to Secondary
In (SI) connector on
power supply.
Turn on system or expander connected
to Power Bus Out (MO) connector on
power supply.
B213F expander not
turned on. Turn on expander.
Power supply or module
failure. Call your Digital service representa- tive.
System has power; AC
Present indicator lit;
nothing displays on con-
sole terminal.
Console terminal off. Turn on console terminal.
Console terminal off line. Put terminal on line as described in
terminal document.
Console terminal cable
incorrectly installed. Make sure cable is installed properly
at both ends.
Console terminal setup
not done correctly. Reread setup instructions in terminal manual.
Baud rate of system and
terminal do not match. Set terminal baud rate to match system rate.
Power-Up Mode switch
on console module set to
T.
Set that switch to Run (indicated by
arrow).
Terminal defective. Turn off terminal and turn it on again.
If it fails self-tests, call your Digital
service representative.
If printer connected to ob-
tain copy of console in-
teraction, fault in printer.
Turn off printer and turn it on again.
If it fails self-tests, call your Digital
service representative.
System has power; AC
Present and DC OK in-
dicators lit; nothing dis-
plays on console termi-
nal.
Problem in CPU. Call your Digital service representa-
tive.
1–2 VAX 4000 Model 300 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
System has power; DC
OK indicator lit; noth-
ing displays on console
terminal; LED on con-
sole module displays E
or F.
Problem in CPU. Call your Digital service representa-
tive.
Self-tests halt; error mes-
sage or error summary
displays on console ter-
minal.
System detected error
while running self-tests. Copy number following question mark in error message or summary and call
your Digital service representative.
Language Selection Menu
does not appear. Baud rate on console terminal different from
baud rate on system.
Check that baud rate on console
terminal agrees with system rate.
Terminal does not sup-
port multinational char-
acter set (MCS).
Obtain terminal that supports MCS.
1.2.2 General Problems During Boot Sequence
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
System returns to BOOT
prompt after 4 minutes. Sanity timer enabled on DESQA module. Disable sanity timer as described in
DESQA Option Installation Guide.
>>> displays on console
terminal. Break Enable/Disable
switch set to enable (up);
system in console mode.
To autoboot, set Break Enable/Disable
switch on console module to disable
(down). Reset system by pressing
Restart button on system control
panel. To boot manually from
console mode, use BOOT device-name
command.
>>> displays on console
terminal; Break Enable
/Disable switch set to
disable (down).
User-defined halt action
set to HALT. From console mode, enter SET HALT
DEFAULT command.
?54 RETRY displays
twice on console termi-
nal.
No bootable medium
found. See actions listed for boot device in subsequent sections.
Countdown does not con-
tinue from 2 through 0;
Break Enable/Disable
switch set to disable
(down).
System cannot load soft-
ware from disk drive,
tape drive or Ethernet.
See actions listed for boot device in
subsequent sections.
Troubleshooting During Power-Up 1–3

1.2.3 Problems Booting from an RF-Series Integrated
Storage Element (ISE)
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Countdown continues
from 2 through 0; con-
sole terminal displays op-
erating system error mes-
sages; Write-Protect but-
ton in (glows orange).
System disk
write-protected. Push in and release Write-Protect
button to out (unlit) position. Make
sure Write-Protect button corresponds
to system disk.
Countdown continues
from 2 through 0; con-
sole terminal displays
console error messages.
System disk contains no
bootable software. Install system software.
Countdown does not con-
tinue from 2 through 0;
Break Enable/Disable
switch set to disable
(down); Run/Ready but-
ton out.
System disk off line. Press Run/Ready button to in position.
Press Restart button on system control
panel.
Fault indicator lit or
blinking. Problem in controller or
ISE. If Fault indicator stops blinking, system may have corrected itself. Run
MDM as described in Chapter 3. If
Fault indicator remains lit, call your
Digital service representative.
1.2.4 Problems Booting from a Tape Drive
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Countdown does not con-
tinue from 2 to 0 or sys-
tem boots from another
device (wrong software
displays on console ter-
minal).
No tape cartridge in
tape drive. Insert cartridge containing system
software into tape drive.
Fixed disk on line. Place fixed disk off line.
Tape not bootable (does
not contain bootstrap
program).
Use bootable tape to start system
software.
Tape worn or damaged. Try another tape cartridge.
Problem in controller or
tape drive. Call your Digital service representa- tive.
1–4 VAX 4000 Model 300 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Chapter 2
Troubleshooting During Normal
Operation
Problems that occur during normal operation of your system may result
from a system defect, faulty setting, or incorrect procedure.
The following sections list problems, possible causes, and corrective actions.
If the action(s) listed do not solve the problem, call your Digital service
representative.
2.1 System Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
System has power; DC
OK indicator lit; noth-
ing displays on console
terminal; LED on con-
sole module displays E
or F.
Problem in CPU. Call your Digital service representa-
tive.
System loses power; AC
Present indicator not lit. System not plugged into wall outlet. Set Power switch to 0. Plug in system.
Set Power switch to 1.
No power at wall outlet. Use different wall outlet or check
circuit breaker controlling power to
wall outlet.
Power switch (circuit
breaker) tripped. Wait 1 minute, then set Power switch to 1. If it trips again, call your Digital
service representative.
Power cable incorrectly
installed. Set Power switch to 0. Check that cable is seated in socket. Set Power
switch to 1.
System loses power; DC
OK indicator not lit. Power supply failed. Turn off system and call your Digital service representative.
System loses power;
Power switch off (posi-
tion 0).
Power switch (circuit
breaker) tripped. Wait 1 minute, then set Power switch to 1. If it trips again, call your Digital
service representative.
Troubleshooting During Normal Operation 2–1

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Over Temperature Con-
dition indicator lit; sys-
tem loses power; Power
switch on (position 1).
System shut down to
prevent overheating. Make sure vents are clear, system is not near heat source, and room
temperature is within guidelines in
Site Preparation manual. Then set
Power switch to 0. Wait 5 minutes.
Set Power switch to 1. If system shuts
down again, call your Digital service
representative.
System loses power; Fan
Failure indicator lit;
Power switch on (position
1).
One or two fans failed. Call your Digital service representa-
tive.
System halts; >>> dis-
played on console termi-
nal.
Break or Ctrl/P pressed. Type C and press Return . To
prevent recurrences, set Break Enable
/Disable switch to disable (down) and
press Run/Ready button to restart
system. Pressing Restart button
reboots system.
Terminal display halts. Hold Screen key on ter-
minal pressed. Press Hold Screen key again.
Terminal data cable dis-
connected. Reconnect data cable.
System reboots. Run/Ready button
pressed. Let rebooting complete. To prevent re- currences, ask your Digital service rep-
resentative to disable Restart button.
2.2 RF-Series Integrated Storage Element (ISE)
Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Write error message dis-
played; Write-Protect but-
ton glows orange.
ISE write-protected. Press and release Write-Protect button.
Fault indicator lit or
blinking. Bus node ID plug not
installed. Install that plug.
Two or more devices
have same node ID on
same bus.
Make sure all devices and controllers
or adapters on same bus have unique
IDs.
2–2 VAX 4000 Model 300 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Problem in controller or
ISE. If Fault indicator stops blinking, system may have corrected itself. Run
MDM as described in Chapter 3. If
Fault indicator remains lit, call your
Digital service representative.
Read error message dis-
played; Run/Ready but-
ton out.
ISE not spun up. Press Run/Ready button to in position.
After green indicator lights, ISE is
available for use.
2.3 TF85 Tape Drive Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Tape not software
write-enabled. Drive not loaded, or
unloaded by software. Load drive. Ensure that yellow indicator is lit.
Cartridge has TK50 or
TK70 format (drive can-
not write to those devices).
Use cartridge with correct format.
Bad cartridge or improp-
erly written calibration
tracks.
Try another cartridge.
Software operating sys-
tem error. Reboot operating system.
Problem in drive. Call your Digital service representa-
tive.
Does not mount or read
/write. Problem in cartridge. Try another cartridge.
Dirty read/write heads. Use yellow head-cleaning cartridge.
Orange Use Cleaning
Tape light lit. Dirty read/write heads. Use yellow head-cleaning cartridge.
Four lights blinking. Failed self-test or
detected hard error. Push Unload button. If lights continue blinking, call your Digital service
representative.
Green light on; yellow
light not lit. Cartridge load error. Try another cartridge. If problem persists, call your Digital service
representative.
Cartridge stuck in drive;
tape on takeup reel. Hard drive error. Press Unload button. If problem
persists, call your Digital service
representative.
Troubleshooting During Normal Operation 2–3

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Cartridge does not load. Mispositioned leader. Try another cartridge.
2.4 TK50 Tape Drive Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Red light blinking; no
unusual sounds. Problem in drive. Press Load/Unload button four times.
If problem persists, do not use drive
or remove cartridge. Call your Digital
service representative.
Red light blinking;
whirring sound. Tape leader not coupled
properly. Turn off system. Do not remove
cartridge. Call your Digital service
representative.
Cartridge release handle
does not move. Self-test in progress. Press Unload button and wait for red
light to go out and green light to
remain on. Then try again.
Drive active. Press Unload button and wait for red
light to go out and green light to
remain on. Then try again.
Cartridge release handle
does not lock. Cartridge not inserted
properly. Reinsert cartridge. If problem persists, call your Digital service representative.
Cartridge does not un-
load. Load/Unload button in load (in) position. Press button to unload (out) position. Wait for red light to go out and green
light to remain on before trying to
remove cartridge.
Load/Unload button not
working properly. Press button to load (in) position, wait
a few seconds, then press button to
unload (out) position. After red light
goes off and green light comes on,
move cartridge release handle. If
problem persists, call your Digital
service representative.
Passes self-test; does
not work. Problem in controller
or connection between
drive and controller.
Call your Digital service representa-
tive.
2–4 VAX 4000 Model 300 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

2.5 TK70 Tape Drive Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Green light blinking af-
ter tape insertion. Tape leader defective. Pull handle open and remove cartridge.
Use another cartridge.
Orange, yellow, and
green lights blinking. Problem in drive. Press Unload button once. If orange
and green lights go out and yellow light
starts blinking, cartridge is unloading.
After green light comes on and you
hear beep, remove cartridge. If three
lights start blinking after you press
Unload button, fault is not cleared. Do
not remove cartridge. Call your Digital
service representative.
Handle does not move. Self-test in progress. Do not move handle while yellow light
is on. Press Unload button and wait
for orange and yellow lights to go off
and green light to remain on. Then try
again.
Drive active. Do not move handle while yellow light
is on. Press Unload button and wait for
yellow light to go off and green light to
remain on. Then try again.
Handle does not lock. Cartridge not inserted
properly. Reinsert cartridge. If problem persists,
call your Digital service representative.
Cartridge does not un-
load. Unload button not work- ing properly. Unload cartridge with command described in your system software man-
uals.
Passes self-test; does
not work. Problem in controller
or connection between
drive and controller.
Call your Digital service representa-
tive.
2.6 TLZ04 Tape Drive Problems
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Unable to copy to tape;
tape indicator yellow. Cassette write protected. Set cassette Write-Protect tab to write
enable.
Unable to copy to tape;
drive indicator green. No cassette in drive. Insert cassette into drive.
Unable to copy to or
from tape; tape and
drive indicators not lit.
Problem in adapter or
drive. Run MDM as described in Chapter 3 and call your Digital service represen-
tative.
Troubleshooting During Normal Operation 2–5

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Unable to copy to or
from tape; tape and
drive indicators green.
Drive off line. Get into console mode (>>>) and issue
SHOW SCSI command. If device
information does not appear, make
sure cable and terminator are plugged
in.
Problem in adapter or
drive. Run MDM as described in Chapter 3 and call your Digital service represen-
tative.
Excessive tape errors;
tape indicator blinking
green or yellow.
Dirty read/write heads
or worn tape. Use head cleaning cassette. If problem
persists, try another cassette.
Tape and drive indicators
yellow. Excessive humidity. Adjust room climate.
2–6 VAX 4000 Model 300 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Chapter 3
Running the MicroVAX Diagnostic
Monitor (MDM)
The MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor (MDM) is an optional software package
containing diagnostic tests that isolate and identify faults in your system.
MDM also lets you display your system configuration and test how devices
work together.
MDM is on tape, in a cartridge labeled MV DIAG CUST TK50. MDM
operating instructions begin in Section 3.2.
CAUTION: If your system is connected to a cluster, notify your cluster
manager before halting the system to load MDM.
You generally run MDM in four situations:
• Before you install software on a new system
• After you add a device to your system
• After you receive an error message or experience a system problem
• When you want to test your system periodically to ensure that all
components are operating correctly
3.1 MDM Limitations
MDM tests internal devices in your system, but it performs limited
diagnostics.
• MDM reads from each drive and checks each controller, but it does not
write to the drives because that could destroy data.
NOTE: MDM tests a tape or diskette drive only after the medium (tape
or diskette) is inserted into the drive.
• MDM checks devices on the system as well as the system and
interconnects.
Running the MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor (MDM) 3–1

• MDM checks terminal interfaces (but not terminals) by means of
feedback connectors.
If your devices pass the tests but you still experience problems, call your
Digital service representative for further testing.
If you require more complete diagnostic testing, purchase the MicroVAX
Maintenance Kit. That kit includes a system maintenance guide and the
service diagnostic tests. The MDM version you receive with your system is
a subset of the service version.
CAUTION: Only qualified service personnel should use the service
diagnostic tests.
3.2 Preparing to Run MDM
Running MDM on some systems requires additional or special procedures:
Read Section 3.2.1 if you plan to run MDM on a diskless or tapeless
system.
Read Section 3.2.2 if you plan to install MDM on a hard disk or RF-
series Integrated Storage Element.
Read Section 3.2.3 if you plan to run MDM on a dual-host system.
You can run MDM on an RRD-series disc drive by using the MDM CDROM
Kit.
3.2.1 Preparing to Run MDM on a Diskless or Tapeless
System
To run MDM on a diskless or tapeless system that is part of a local area
network, you must:
• Obtain a MicroVAX Ethernet Server Customer Diagnostics Kit.
• Run MDM using the diagnostics in that kit, labeled MV DIAG ENET
CUST.
Refer to the MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor Ethernet Server User’s Guide at
this time. After you install and downline load MDM, refer again to that
manual for instructions on running MDM.
NOTE: If you have a diskless or tapeless system that is not part of a local
area network, you cannot run MDM. To diagnose problems, call your Digital
service representative.
3–2 VAX 4000 Model 300 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

3.2.2 Preparing to Run MDM on an RF-Series Integrated
Storage Element (ISE) or Hard Disk
You can install MDM on an RF-series ISE or hard-disk drive by using the
MDM Hard Disk Kit. Installation of that kit requires your completion of
the Diagnostic Software Installation Acknowledgment. See the MicroVAX
Diagnostic Monitor Hard Disk User’s Guide for licensing requirements and
installation instructions.
3.2.3 Preparing to Run MDM on a Dual-Host System
NOTE: The MDM Hard Disk Kit is required for a dual-host system where
one host is a tapeless system.
Before running MDM:
• Your system must be properly configured (systems ordered as dual-host
systems are properly configured at the factory).
• The Digital Storage Systems Interconnect (DSSI) cable connecting the
two hosts must be installed.
You must run MDM separately for each host. The procedure to use depends
on whether one host is a tapeless system (no tape drive) or each host has
its own tape drive.
Use the procedure in Section 3.2.3.1 to prepare to run MDM in a dual-
host system with one tape drive.
Use the procedure in Section 3.2.3.2 to prepare to run MDM in a dual-
host system with a tape drive in each host.
3.2.3.1 MDM on a Dual-Host System with One Tape Drive
To run MDM on a dual-host system with one tape drive (one tapeless host):
• Use the MDM Hard Disk Kit.
• Complete the Diagnostic Software Installation Acknowledgment.
• Install the kit on a hard disk or an RF-series ISE as described in the
MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor Hard Disk User’s Guide.
After the installation is complete, use the following procedure to run MDM.
1. If software is installed on your system:
a. Warn all users to log off.
b. Perform system shutdown as described in your software manuals.
Running the MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor (MDM) 3–3

2. Set the Break Enable/Disable switch on the host to be tested to enable
(up).
3. Insert a blank tape cartridge into the tape drive and lock it in place.
4. Restart the host to be tested.
5. Enter one of these commands, where n is the unit number of the disk
containing the Hard Disk Kit and x is the controller port letter.
BOOT/100 DIAn (CPU-based DSSI)
BOOT/100 DUxn (KFQSA adapter or KDA50 controller)
The system prompts for the boot file name by displaying Bootfile:
6. Enter one of these file names.
[SYS0.SYSEXE]MDMSHA.SYS (CPU-based DSSI)
[SYS0.SYSEXE]MDM.SYS (KFQSA adapter or KDA50 controller)
Then press Return to continue booting.
7. Run MDM as described in Section 3.3.
8. After you complete the tests on the first host:
a. Make sure the Break Enable/Disable switch is set to enable (up)
and press the Restart button on that host.
b. After the countdown completes and the >>> prompt displays, boot
MDM from the second host using the procedure described in steps
2 through 6.
c. Run MDM as you did for the first host.
3.2.3.2 MDM on a Dual-Host System with Two Tape Drives
To run MDM on a dual-host system with two tape drives:
NOTE: You can also use the MDM Hard Disk Kit as described in the
previous section.
1. If software is installed on your system:
a. Warn all users to log off.
b. Perform system shutdown as described in your software manuals.
2. Set the Break Enable/Disable switch on the host to be tested to enable
(up).
3–4 VAX 4000 Model 300 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

3. Insert the tape cartridge containing MDM into the tape drive and lock
it in place.
4. Restart the host to be tested.
5. After the self-test countdown completes and the >>> prompt displays,
enter the command BOOT MUx0, where x is the controller port letter,
to load MDM from the tape.
6. Run MDM as described in Section 3.3.
7. After you complete the tests on the first host:
a. Remove the tape cartridge, by following the procedure described in
your Operation manual, and press the Restart button on that host.
b. After the self-test countdown completes and the >>> prompt
displays, insert the tape cartridge into the tape drive in the second
host and lock it in place.
c. Enter the command BOOT MUx0, where x is the controller port
letter, to boot the tape.
d. Run MDM as you did for the first host.
3.3 Starting MDM
You must start MDM differently for different media:
If you are booting MDM from a tape drive, read Section 3.3.1.
If you are booting MDM from an RRD-series disc drive, read
Section 3.3.2.
If you are booting MDM from a hard disk or an RF-series ISE, refer to
the MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor Hard Disk User’s Guide.
CAUTION: Unless instructed to do so, do not change any settings or
manipulate devices while the tests are running. MDM interprets any change
of state as an error.
3.3.1 Tape Drive Instructions
Before you run MDM, be sure you understand the instructions in your
Operation manual for using the tape drive.
MDM runs the same way whether or not system software is loaded.
• You can boot MDM manually from a TF85, TK50 or TK70 tape drive
(Section 3.3.1.1).
Running the MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor (MDM) 3–5