uname -i

[Anoop P_2]

Hi

The uname -i command normally outputs the machine identification number. But the man page for the command also says that if the machine id cannot be determined, it would display the hostname. I had a system which returns its hostname if I issue this command. After a firmware update, the server started returning the machine id. Could any one of you help me understand what factor could cause the system to not being able to determine the machine id?
I will assign points, and thanks in advance for the responces.
Regards,
Anoop

[Bill Hassell]

For HP-UX systems, the machine ID is programmed at the factory (or in the field when a processor board is replaced) and is a combination of the serial number and processor information. Replacement boards usually come unprogrammed and uname -i will report a negative value or just a few digits. Since the ID number is used for licensing, each board must have the correct ID and only authorized HP repair people can program this number. The behavior of substituting the hostname is unexpected although newer machines may have a validation status when the ID is read and thus, uname substitutes the hostname. If the board was replaced in the past, it may never have been programmed.

All the PA-RISC systems have a specific ID number, but before PA-RISC, there were Motorola chip workstations which had no ID capability and the primary LAN MAC ID would be used as an ID.

[Amit Agarwal_1]

In case uname -i is unable to give you the mach id, you can use 'getconf MACHINE_IDENT'.

[vinod_25]

hi Anoop

The problem you are experiencing is due to a problem when ssconfig
was run on your system. This is not a problem caused by the user.

In order to solve this problem please contact your field office to
rerun ssconfig on your system.

regards

Vinod K