how to solve problem on utmp after patching the system

[roberto salvatori]

this is only for knowledge and to solve a problem faced yesterday after patched the system.
After patch (bundle built on HP) and reboot of machine (hp-ux 11, L1000) the system on login showed me this error:
No utmp entry.You must exec "login" from the lowest level "sh".
this is an old error faced some years ago and solved on a old release of patch bundle. but not all is true.
in all forum the solution for this kind of problem is:
1. cp /etc/utmp /etc/utmp.orig
2. rm /etc/utmp
3. touch /etc/utmp
4. Use chown and/or chmod to make changes to persmissions or owners as needed.
5. init q
If that doesn't work, then:
1. cp /etc/inittab /etc/inittab.orig
2. cp /usr/newconfig/etc/inittab /etc/inittab
3. init q

sometimes all these steps don't work. the same thing must have to have it for utmpx also. so the steps are:
1)reboot in single user mode
2)if /, /var, /usr are not present, mount its (sometimes must have it the check on file system cause the mount is corrupted)
3) delete and touch /etc/utmp and /etc/utmpx
4)reboot the machine

the work on inittab doesn't need. i hope all the information need to someone that have the same problem faced me yesterday.
have a nice and good day.

[roberto salvatori]

i forgot one thing:
before removing a files, make a backup!!!!

[Robert-Jan Goossens]

Hi Roberto,

Have got a hotmail adres where I gan reach you ?

Robert-Jan.

[roberto salvatori]

yes, it is.
rsalvatori@it.loreal.com