Howdy,
I recently acquired a Mono NeXTStation.
When I try to boot it from the internal SCSI disk, it hangs looking for a NetInfo server and I'm unable to get past that point. This happens both when it is and isn't connected to my Ethernet network. I let it sit for an hour, hoping it would timeout but it never did.
If I head into the monitor and try to Ctrl-C through the hanging parts of the boot process, it eventually gets to the WindowServer and logs a message that it's waiting for NetInfo.
Any way to boot this machine? Any help is appreciated - I'm a NeXT noob.
- Hunter
Try the "Replacing a Corrupted NetInfo Database" section here:
http://www.cilinder.be/docs/next/NeXTStep/3.3/nsa/03_SetUpNet.htmld/index.html#3netcomBasically you are going to boot into single user mode and restore the default networking configuration.
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Brian
Quote from: "barcher174"Basically you are going to boot into super user mode and restore the default networking configuration.
Ah, this looks very helpful. Thank you!
I may be in trouble - when I try to boot into single user mode, I get an error...
I did 'bsd -s' from the prompt and it comes back with:
Exception #3 (0xC) at 0x1000374
Searching against that string brings back at least one forum post here that sounds like it could be related to the SCSI bus? The only thing on the bus is the internal HD.
Anyone have any other details on what this error condition is and how I should attempt to proceed?
Thanks!
Try pulling the battery and letting it sit for a minute first. Also, look to see if there is noticeable capacitor damage.
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Brian
Quote from: "barcher174"Try pulling the battery and letting it sit for a minute first. Also, look to see if there is noticeable capacitor damage
Same problem, unfortunately. The capacitors look fine based on a visual inspection.
As for the battery, I have no idea how old it is but I wouldn't be surprised if it's dead. Possibly related?
It's weird that it would give the SCSI error when trying to boot into single user mode but not when just normally booting from that disk (even if that eventually hangs up).
Alrighty, I ordered a new battery and I guess I'll try again when it arrives.
Quote from: "hunter.hillegas"
It's weird that it would give the SCSI error when trying to boot into single user mode but not when just normally booting from that disk (even if that eventually hangs up).
Weird and unlikely. The NeXT scsi implementations were very sensitive to bus termination and signal integrity. Check/reseat connections, confirm correct termination, etc. and try again.
Quote from: "cubist"Quote from: "hunter.hillegas"
It's weird that it would give the SCSI error when trying to boot into single user mode but not when just normally booting from that disk (even if that eventually hangs up).
Weird and unlikely. The NeXT scsi implementations were very sensitive to bus termination and signal integrity. Check/reseat connections, confirm correct termination, etc. and try again.
What is the make and model of drive? Which jumpers are set ?
Most drives will need termination jumpers on for TP = termination power usually 2 of these and te = termination enabled, also some drives require termination resistors or an external terminator connected to the external scsi connector on the NeXT .
At a NeXT> type p for parameters , everytime the battery is pulled or if the NeXT has been sitting awhile it will default boot from network so you get a perpetual loading from network.
When you type p for parameter and press enter it should return
boot en? type is sd this changes it from booting from ethernet = en to booting from scsi device = sd ..... thus boot sd?
toggling through questions at verbose boot no? type yes
this will allow you to see what is happening by changing to from a graphical boot to text boot .
default through remaining questions until NeXT> power off and back on , it should now attempt to boot from drive in text (verbose) mode.
An immediate exception error at this point may be a bad stick of ram or failing capacitor on the board or faulty drive .
If it is just a mono station , I can sell you a working mono motherboard for $25 to help you out. I can include 8 mb of working ram on the board for $10 .... no worries we'll get you up and running.
Best regards Rob Blessin