Force 32-bit 11i install

[Mark Landin]

I am installing 11i on a C240, which is a "32/64" bit platform. I want ignite to install the 32-bit version of 11i, but it keeps selecting the 64-bit. I've tried setting the _hp_os_bitness variable in my config file ... is this a read-only variable, since it doesn't seem to be making a difference?

I have no need for 64-bit on this machine and I know the 32-bit performs a bit better.

The depot I'm installing from has the 32 and 64-bit bundles in it. I'd prefer to use one config file and one depot for all my systems, which range from this C240 up to B2000s.

[Bill Hassell]

The installation code automatically detects 32 and 64 bit compatibility. Apparently, this machine appears to this code as being 64bit only (like all new machines in the last year or so). Was the C240 recently repaired? It's possible that the technician did not set the firmware model string correctly. If you can boot and run HP-UX, check uname -i and the model command. uname -i should report a 10 digit ID number which is unique for every computer, something like: 1948801231

and the model command should report: 9000/782/C240

If the ID number is very short (less than 5-6 digits or negative), or the model is wrong, this is the problem and you'll need the technician to return and set the values correctly.

[Mark Landin]

Well I did get it working ... by using the _can_run_32bit flag I was able to manipulate the software selection in my config file.

My mistake was, I think, using the _hp_os_bitness flag, which may be outside my control.

I've found that Ignite will pick a 64-bit installation the hardware will support it, and the C240 can.

[rick jones]

Since you mention B2000's...

Any system with a PA-8500 or later CPU, and running 11.X, is only supported with a 64-bit kernel. Period.

The only systems on which a 32-bit HP-UX 11.X kernel are supported are those with PA 1.1 CPUs (which are 32-bit only) or with PA-8000 or PA-8200 CPUs.

So, if you want config file for all your systems, and some of them are B2000's, then I suspect you have to go with 64-bit kernel.

[Ravi_8]

Hi,

The ignite installation process detects the m/c for 32 bit or 64 bit compatability. and you have no choice to select 32 bitor 64 bit.

If you install from OS media (CD) you can choose 32 bit or 64 bit.

[Mark Landin]

When Ignite is run against a machine which can run either 32 *or* 64-but, Ignite will pick 64-bit. I wanted the opposite behavior.

Rick, I can Ignite my 64-bit-only platforms just fine because my config file selects the 64-bit bundles if the _can_run_32bit variable is false. My core depot contains the 32-bit and the 64-bit bundles.

I've attached my custom config file so you can see just what I'm doing (and maybe even why!)