editing files in single user mode

[Andrew Cunningham]

In order to solve my boot problems , I have had to boot into single user mode. When in single user mode, the /bin directory is not available, only /sbin - which means vi is not available.
I assume I may need to mount /bin.
This is an "oldie but a goodie" I'm sure, but the knowledge base does not seem to have an answer

B2600/UX10.2

[James R. Ferguson]

Hi Andrew:

'/bin' is a transition link to /usr/bin so that doesn't get you where you need to go.

Manually mount /usr and then you will have 'vi'.

...JRF...

[A. Clay Stephenson]

Hi Andrew,

You also typically have to mount /tmp or /var
(to get /var/tmp) so that vi can write temporary files.

[Patrick Wallek · Accepted solution]

What I usually do if I need to work while in single-user mode is:

vgchange -a y /dev/vg00 ---- to make sure vg00 is active

mount -a ----- Will mount all vg00 filesystems and no others since no other VGs are active.

Then you've got vi and whatever else you need to try to fix your boot problems.

[Andrew Cunningham]

Thanks guys, I will try that tomorrow when my collegue in the remote office (where this troublesome machine is located) gets in.