topic Re: Error entering single user mode in Operating System - HP-UX

Error entering single user mode

Kuan_2 — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:40:09 GMT

I am not sure if there is other thread addressing the same issue. I am using rp3440

1) I tried to shutdown to single user mode via sam. I a while, I was prompted this message:
"UNEXPECTED EXIT: process (trap "" 27 28; /usr/sbin/sync; cd /; /usr/sbin/shutdown -y 0 >/dev/console 2>/dev/null ) exited with a non-zero exit status"

2) I been trying to access the console from my laptop, referring to the "HP9000 iLO Operation Guide" but nothing shown on my HyperTerminal

Any advice is appreciated
Thanks

Re: Error entering single user mode

Steven E. Protter — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:55:31 GMT

Shalom,

1) Sounds like there is a critical OS failure. Sounds like you will need to reinstall the OS, but you can try booting off the OS media.

2) Hyperterminal with default connection settings and a null modem cable (VERY IMPORTANT the cable type), should connect without issue.

After you connect, you should configure your MP/GSP card for network access because its hard to do an OS install with hyper terminal. You need one of those connectors (usually black) with three connectors coming out of it, to connect to the one marked "console"

If you truly can't connect to console, its probably time for a hardware service call.

SEP

Re: Error entering single user mode

whiteknight — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:43:42 GMT

hi Kuan,

For system maintainence, please use command prompt instead of SAM

#shutdown 0 (this will bring the system to single user mode)

#init 3 (to go to multi user mode)

WK

Re: Error entering single user mode

Kuan_2 — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 11:07:17 GMT

Thanks for the response

1) Yes, I did try shutdown -y 0 as well but was unable to go into single user mode.
Is this an OS failure? I manage to do a reboot, shutdown -ry 0, and the softwares installed are running fine.
Is there a simpler way anyone can recommend to solve this??

2) I am not sure how to check for a null modem cable but i tried the cable (serial-usb), it works fine on my HyperTerminal for router and switch console.
Yes, I am using the black converter with 3 connectors. I am connecting my serial-usb cable to the connector marked "console".
I have also tried the RJ45 MP port. Both method do not show any prompt on my HyperTerminal. I am using baud rate 9600, as specified in the guide

please advice

Re: Error entering single user mode

MarkSyder — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:49:38 GMT

The reliable way to go into single-user mode is to reboot and interrupt the boot by pressing a key when prompted. Then type:

bo pri
Interact: answer yes
hpux -is

Mark Syder (like the drink but spelt different)

Re: Error entering single user mode

Sajith P V — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 04:04:21 GMT

kaun,

try to connect to the serial console port on the server with the console cable, not in the console port on the management processor module.

cheers..

Re: Error entering single user mode

Bill Hassell — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:04:29 GMT

Unfortunately, shutdown 0 (despite the man pages) has not worked for many years. In a discussion with the labs, there seemed to be some confusion about what single user mode actually means. And this discussion was begun by questioning the who -r output which did not work in single user mode (it would not report run level s). shutdown without a -h or -r option was (until sometime around version 9.xx) the simplest way to bypass the CPU selftest code and get the system to a state with only minimum processes, no networking and nothing mounted except / and /stand. The problem affected other parts of the HP-UX code and the /sbin/getrunlvl command was created but it seemed to have similar problems in determining "single user mode".

In general, I would not use SAM to perform a shutdown. First, SAM is a big process with many, many features and can also involve Xwindows if you use the GUI version. shuwdown is a pretty drastic step and I would always want to invoke shutdown from the 'real' console and not a remote login or program like SAM. However, SAM is running shutdown -y 0 and that will not get to single user mode. The only guaranteed way (for any version of HP-UX) to get to single user mode is a complete shutdown+reboot with an interrupt at the appropriate time to interact with the processor ROMs. At that time, you would boot from the primary, answer YES to the interact with boot loader and then type: hpux -is to attain true single user mode.

AS far as connecting to the console, the most common failure is to use the correct serial cable. Do NOT use a straight-through or modem cable. Instead, use a printer or cross-over cable (aka, null modem). Set your Hyperterminal to 9600 baud, 8N1 and at any time, you can type CTRL-B and you'll see the GSP/MP prompt. If this machine was never setup with GSP/MP logins, just press Enter a couple of times to login. From there you can connect to the console with the CO command.

Re: Error entering single user mode

Kuan_2 — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:34:32 GMT

Thanks for all replies, I am still trying to get to the console first before trying to half the boot up process. will find if there is any null modem console, everyone else just give me a normal looking console cable

What about the error i get "UNEXPECTED EXIT .... " Anyone has an idea of what does that mean, or how to resolve it?

Thanks

Re: Error entering single user mode

Bill Hassell — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 16:22:48 GMT

Make sure you patches are up to date, especially for SAM.