IBM B50 manual Loading the System Diagnostics, Default Boot List, Custom Boot List

Chapter 5. Loading the System Diagnostics

If no keys are pressed after the server power is turned on, the server searches a list of devices (the default boot list) for a bootable image. If a bootable image is found,

then the server loads and starts the operating system. This is called a normal boot.

The server can also be booted from a custom boot list, which can be changed through the System Management Services.

If certain keys are pressed during system startup, the server searches the default or custom boot list for a bootable image to start in service mode instead of normal mode. After a successful service mode boot, the diagnostic programs are started automatically.

This chapter describes the default and custom boot lists, and how to boot from these in either normal or service mode.

Default Boot List

The default boot list is composed of the first device found of each of the following types:

1.Diskette drive

2.CD-ROM drive

3.Disk drive

4.Network device

If this default boot list is used during system startup, the server attempts to boot from the diskette drive, then from the CD-ROM drive, then from the first disk drive encountered, and finally the first network connection encountered.

Custom Boot List

The contents of the custom boot list can be defined by using the graphical System Management Services or the text-based System Management Services. When the custom boot list is used during system startup, the server attempts to boot in turn from each specific device in the custom boot list.

Note: Only the specific devices contained in the custom boot list are checked for a bootable image. Other devices of the same type are not searched for a bootable image unless they are also specified in the custom boot list. Refer to Chapter 6, “Using System Management Services” for more information on custom boot lists.

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