NAME

isl − initial system loader

DESCRIPTION

isl implements the operating system independent portion of the bootstrap process.  It is loaded and executed after self-test and initialization have completed successfully. 

The processor contains special purpose memory for maintaining critical configuration related parameters (e.g. Primary Boot, Alternate Boot, and Console Paths).  Two forms of memory are supported: Stable Storage and Non-Volatile Memory (NVM). 

Typically, when control is transferred to isl, an autoboot sequence takes place.  An autoboot sequence allows a complete bootstrap operation to occur with no intervention from an operator.  isl executes commands from the autoexecute file in a script-like fashion.  autoboot is enabled by a flag in Stable Storage. 

autosearch is a mechanism that automatically locates the boot and console devices.  For further information, see pdc(1M).

During an autoboot sequence, isl displays its revision and the name of any utility it executes.  However, if autoboot is disabled, after isl displays its revision, it then prompts for input from the console device.  Acceptable input is any isl command name or the name of any utility available on the system.  If a non-fatal error occurs or the executed utility returns, isl again prompts for input. 

Commands

There are several commands available in isl.  The following is a list with a short description.  Parameters may be entered on the command line following the command name.  They must be separated by spaces.  isl prompts for any necessary parameters that are not entered on the command line. 

? 

help Help − List commands and available utilities

listf

ls List available utilities

autoboot Enable or disable the autoboot sequence
Parameter − on or off

autosearch Enable or disable the autosearch sequence
Parameter − on or off

primpath Modify the Primary Boot Path
Parameter − Primary Boot Path in decimal

altpath Modify the Alternate Boot Path
Parameter − Alternate Boot Path in decimal

conspath Modify the Console Path
Parameter − Console Path in decimal

lsautofl

listautofl List contents of the autoexecute file

display Display the Primary Boot, Alternate Boot, and Console Paths .TP readnvm Display the contents of one word of NVM in hexadecimal
Parameter − NVM address in decimal or standard hexadecimal notation

readss Display the contents of one word of Stable Storage in hexadecimal
Parameter − Stable Storage address in decimal or standard hexadecimal notation

DIAGNOSTICS

isl displays diagnostic information through error messages written on the console and display codes on the LED display. 

For the display codes, CE0x are informative only.  CE1x and CE2x indicate errors, some of which are fatal and cause the system to halt.  Other errors merely cause isl to display a message. 

Non-fatal errors during an autoboot sequence cause the autoboot sequence to be aborted and isl to prompt for input.  After non-fatal errors during an interactive isl session, isl merely prompts for input. 

Fatal errors cause the system to halt.  The problem must be corrected and the system RESET to recover. 

SEE ALSO

boot(1M), hpux_800(1M), pdc(1M). 

Hewlett-Packard Company  —  HP-UX Release 8.05: June 1991