Block 0 in dqa0 is not a valid boot block bootstrap failure

[jcarlosgtz]

Dear Guys,
I have a problem during an installation on a HP AlphaStation DS15 with Tru64 UNIX V5.1B software.
When I turn on the AlphaStation is running and after it checks the disks, memory, etc. the prompt >>> is appearing. I type the following command:

>>>boot dqa0 -fi "GENERIC" -fl fa
(boot dqa0.0.0.13.0 -file GENERIC -flags fa)
block 0 of dqa0.0.0.13.0 is not a valid boot block
bootstrap failure
>>>

So what I have done:
1. I changed the DVD-ROM for other twice (since the first included with the AlphaStation doesn't work), the problem remains
2. I changed the OS HDD for a new one, the problem remains
3. I tried with boot dqa0, problem remains
4. I typed set boot_flags "" (I do not know why I did it), the problem remains
5. When I take out the Tru64 UNIX 5.1B software CD from the DVD-ROM, the answer is something like there is no media in dqa0 = meaning there is no CD on the DVD-ROM

So, I do not know what else. Could you please help me on this guys?

Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Carlos.

[Steven Schweda · Accepted solution]

> >>>boot dqa0 -fi "GENERIC" -fl fa

Why all the fancy options?

Which "Tru64 UNIX 5.1B software CD", exactly,
are you using? Mine, for example, says:

HP Tru64 UNIX operating system
volume 1

version 5.1B AG-RHB5E-BE

> 2. I changed the OS HDD for a new one, the
> problem remains

HDD? Hard disk drive? The system can't read
the CD-ROM. It hasn't even begun to care
about the hard disk(s).

> 3. I tried with boot dqa0, problem remains

And that's all the exotic boot options you
should need. That is, none.

> block 0 of dqa0.0.0.13.0 is not a valid boot block
> bootstrap failure

That's what I get if I try to boot from a
non-bootable CD-ROM, like, say, the
"documentation" CD-ROM.

[Steven Schweda]

My "full installation quick start" guide does
say to start with:

>>>set boot_osflags ""
then:
>>>boot cdrom_device_name

but it's probably not too fussy about the
boot flags.

It also suggests:

http://www.tru64unix.compaq.com/docs/

which, amazingly enough, seems still to work,
and has links which lead to:

http://www.tru64unix.compaq.com/docs/base_doc/DOCUMENTATION/V51B_HTML/ARH8SETE/TITLE.HTM

[Kapil Jha]

what it says when u just run

>>> boot dqa0

BR,
Kapil+

[Rob Leadbeater]

Hi Carlos,

Sounds like a faulty CD to me, or wrong CD as Steven suggests.

Cheers,

Rob

[Pieter 't Hart]

The controller in the DS15 is not recognized by the TRU64 system CD.
Same like windows needing aditional drivers for storage controller.

I think you need at least the NHD-7 CD (New Hardware Delivery) to boot from. This will add support for the DS15 hardhare.

[jcarlosgtz]

Dear Guys,
As Steven said at first time, the problem was the CD. After testing 3 CD ROM players meanwhile I was getting a new bootable CD. So when I had this new bootable CD everything worked fine.
Thanks a lot for your replies and answers.

Regards,
Juan Carlos.

[jcarlosgtz]

As I said before the problem was the boot CD. Thnx.