Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Modify a System Disk

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HP OpenVMS System Manager's Manual, Volume 1:...

Using OpenVMS System Management Utilities and...

Using OPCOM to Communicate with System Users

Installing, Upgrading, and Updating Software

Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Modify a System Disk

On VAX systems, the command procedure SYS$UPDATE:VMSKITBLD.COM allows you to duplicate system files from an existing system disk on another disk.

On Alpha systems, procedures similar to those in the VMSKITBLD.COM procedure are performed by the AXPVMS$PCSI_INSTALL.COM procedure. refer to the .

The SYS$UPDATE:VMSKITBLD.COM procedure offers the following options:

Option Description For More Information

BUILD
Builds a new common system disk after destroying all existing files on the disk.
Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Build a New System Disk

COPY
Copies the operating system files to an existing disk without destroying nonsystem files that are currently on the disk.
Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Copy System Files to an Existing Disk

ADD
Adds a new system root directory to an existing system disk.
Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Add an Alternate System Root Directory

Option	Description	For More Information
BUILD	Builds a new common system disk after destroying all existing files on the disk.	Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Build a New System Disk
COPY	Copies the operating system files to an existing disk without destroying nonsystem files that are currently on the disk.	Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Copy System Files to an Existing Disk
ADD	Adds a new system root directory to an existing system disk.	Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Add an Alternate System Root Directory

VMSKITBLD uses two disks:

Disk Description

Source disk
The disk from which you copy system files. The source disk must be an existing system disk.

Target disk
The disk to which you move the system files.

Disk	Description
Source disk	The disk from which you copy system files. The source disk must be an existing system disk.
Target disk	The disk to which you move the system files.

Do not attempt to use VMSKITBLD with the current system disk as the target disk. VMSKITBLD.COM deletes files that are required for a running system.

Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Build a New System Disk

At some point, you might want to create a new system disk. For example, suppose that your existing system disk is an RA81 disk. If you purchase a larger RA90 disk and want to use it as your system disk, you could use the VMSKITBLD BUILD option to build a new system disk on the RA90 disk.

The existing system disk is the source disk. The new disk is the target disk.

The VMSKITBLD BUILD option initializes the target disk, deleting all of its previous contents. For information about copying files to an existing system disk without destroying files, see Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Copy System Files to an Existing Disk.

If you want to build your operating system on another disk and you are not concerned about losing the current contents of the target disk, use the BUILD option as described in the following procedure.

How to Perform This Task

If the source disk is not the current booted system disk, boot the operating system from the source disk.

Make sure the disk is spun up and on line. If you are using a removable disk, you must also place the disk into the appropriate drive.

Enter the following command to invoke VMSKITBLD:
```
$ @SYS$UPDATE:VMSKITBLD
```
VMSKITBLD prompts you to choose one of the following options:
```
* Operation [BUILD,ADD,COPY]?
```

Enter BUILD and press Return.

VMSKITBLD displays messages that either prompt you for information needed to complete the operation or inform you of the procedure's status.
1. In response to the following prompt, enter the name of the source disk:
```
* Enter mounted SOURCE disk name (ddcu:):
```
2. In response to the following prompt, enter the top-level system directory for the source disk:
```
* Enter SOURCE disk top-level system directory [default = SYS0]:
```
  In most cases, you can choose the default value [SYS0].
3. In response to the following prompt, enter the name of the target disk:
```
* Enter TARGET disk name (ddcu:):
```
4. In response to the following prompt, enter the volume label of the target disk:
```
* Enter the TARGET disk's label [default = VAXVMSRL5]: 
```
5. In response to the following prompt, enter the top-level system directory:
```
* Enter TARGET disk top-level system directory [default = SYS0]:
```
  In most cases, you can choose the default value [SYS0].
6. The procedure displays the following message to warn you that the target disk will be initialized and to allow you to stop the procedure:
```
    The target disk will be initialized.
* Target disk, _DUA0:, ready to be initialized? (Y/N): Y
```
  Make sure it is safe to destroy the contents of the target disk, and enter Y to continue.
When the system displays the dollar sign ($) prompt, the system disk is built. VMSKITBLD automatically dismounts the target disk. At this point, the target disk contains all the operating system files required for a complete system.

Complete the system disk by creating a rights database and network proxy database and configuring the system with appropriate system parameters. For instructions, see Completing a System Disk Built with VMSKITBLD.COM.

To use the new system disk, reboot the system with the new system disk.

Example

The following example runs VMSKITBLD.COM to build a new system disk. It copies the files on the current system disk to create a new system disk on the DUA0: disk.

* Enter mounted SOURCE disk name (ddcu:): SYS$SYSDEVICE:
* Enter SOURCE disk top level system directory [default = SYS0]: Return 
* Enter TARGET disk name (ddcu:): DUA0: Return 
* Enter the TARGET disk's label [default = VAXVMSRL5]: Return 
* Enter TARGET disk top level system directory [default = SYS0]: Return 
    The target disk will be initialized.
* Target disk, _DUA0:, ready to be initialized? (Y/N): Y
    Target disk, _DUA0:, has been initialized.
%MOUNT-I-MOUNTED, VAXVMSRL5   mounted on _DUA0:
    Creating system specific directories ... 
    Creating cluster common directories ... 
    Creating SYSGEN files ...    
%SYSGEN-I-CREATED, _DUA0:SWAPFILE.SYS;1 created
%SYSGEN-I-CREATED, _DUA0:PAGEFILE.SYS;1 created
%SYSGEN-I-CREATED, _DUA0:SYSDUMP.DMP;1 created
    Copying files from source disk ... 
    Copying DECwindows file from source disk ... 
    Writing a boot block ... 
    System disk complete.
$

Completing a System Disk Built with VMSKITBLD.COM

After you create a new system disk using the VMSKITBLD BUILD option, use the following procedure to complete the new system disk:

Boot the new system disk using a conversational boot. For instructions, refer to the upgrade and installation supplement for your computer.

When the SYSBOOT> prompt appears, enter the USE DEFAULT command to boot with default values for all system parameters.

To avoid starting all layered products on a system that is not tuned for them, possibly causing the system to hang, enter SET STARTUP_P1 "MIN" after the SYSBOOT> prompt.

Enter the CONTINUE command to continue booting.

After the system boots, log in to the SYSTEM account. The password for the system account will be the default password, MANAGER. Make sure you change this password.

Use the Authorize utility to create a rights database and a network proxy database. For more information, refer to the HP OpenVMS Guide to System Security.

Run AUTOGEN from the SAVPARAMS phase to set appropriate values for system parameters. Be sure to specify the CHECK_FEEDBACK option. See HP OpenVMS System Manager's Manual, Volume 2: Tuning, Monitoring, and Complex Systems and the AUTOGEN section of the HP OpenVMS System Management Utilities Reference Manual: A--L detailed information about running AUTOGEN.

To reboot from the former system disk, specify REBOOT as the end phase when invoking AUTOGEN.

To reboot the system from the new system disk, specify SHUTDOWN as the end phase and reboot manually, specifying the new system disk.

Example

SYSBOOT> USE DEFAULT
 
SYSBOOT> SET STARTUP_P1 "MIN"
SYSBOOT> CONTINUE
.
.
.
$ SET DEFAULT SYS$COMMON:[SYSEXE]
$ RUN AUTHORIZE
UAF> CREATE/RIGHTS
UAF> CREATE/PROXY
UAF> EXIT
$ @SYS$UPDATE:AUTOGEN SAVPARAMS REBOOT CHECK_FEEDBACK
.
.
.

Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Copy System Files to an Existing Disk

You can use VMSKITBLD to copy the operating system files to a target disk without deleting the files already existing on the target disk. For example, if you accidentally delete a large number of system files from a system disk, you can use VMSKITBLD to copy the system files from another system disk.

To do this, the operating system must be running and the source disk that you intend to copy from must be mounted.

When you use the COPY option of VMSKITBLD.COM, the user-modified files (including SYSUAF.DAT and site-specific command files) are not copied from the source disk; VMSKITBLD uses the unaltered TEMPLATE versions of these files. In addition, the procedure does not create the system-specific files SWAPFILE.SYS, PAGEFILE.SYS, or SYSDUMP.DMP.

Before VMSKITBLD copies each new system file, it deletes the older version of the file from the target disk.

How to Perform This Task

Place the target disk into the appropriate drive.

Note the device name of the target disk.

Enter the following command to invoke VMSKITBLD:
```
$ @SYS$UPDATE:VMSKITBLD
```
VMSKITBLD prompts you to choose one of the following options:
```
Operation [BUILD,ADD,COPY]?
```

Enter COPY and press Return.

VMSKITBLD displays messages that either prompt you for information needed to complete the copy operation or inform you of the procedure's status.
1. In response to the following prompt, enter the name of the source disk.
```
* Enter mounted SOURCE disk name (ddcu:):
```
2. In response to the following prompt, enter the top-level system directory for the source disk:
```
* Enter SOURCE disk top level system directory [default = SYS0]:
```
  In most cases, you can choose the default value [SYS0].
3. In response to the following prompt, enter the name of the target disk:
```
* Enter TARGET disk name (ddcu:):
```
4. In response to the following prompt, enter the top-level system directory:
```
* Enter TARGET disk top level system directory [default = SYS0]:
```
  In most cases, you can choose the default value [SYS0].
When the system displays the dollar sign ($) prompt, the files have been copied and the system disk is complete. VMSKITBLD automatically dismounts the target disk.

Example

* Enter mounted SOURCE disk name (ddcu:): SYS$SYSDEVICE:
* Enter SOURCE top level system directory [default = SYS0]: Return 
* Enter TARGET disk name (ddcu:): DUA0: Return 
* Enter TARGET disk top level system directory [default = SYS0]: Return 
%DCL-I-ALLOC, _DUA0: allocated
%MOUNT-I-MOUNTED, VAXVMSRL5 mounted on _DUA0:
    Copying files from source disk ... 
    Copying DECwindows files from source disk ... 
    Writing a boot block ... 
    System disk complete.
$

Using VMSKITBLD.COM to Add an Alternate System Root Directory

Use the ADD option to create an alternate system root directory on a target system disk. You might use this option to create a test environment where you can test software without interfering with the current version of the system.

The system disk that you are adding to cannot be in use.

Do not use the ADD option to create a system root to add a new system to an OpenVMS Cluster environment. Instead, use the SYS$MANAGER:CLUSTER_CONFIG.COM procedure.

The ADD option creates only new specific root directories. The current common directory is linked to the new root.

How to Perform This Task

Check the number of free blocks on the system disk to make sure you have adequate space for the new files, including SWAPFILE.SYS, PAGEFILE.SYS, and SYSDUMP.DMP. The sizes of these files are determined by the type of computer you use. For information about calculating size for page, swap, and dump files, see HP OpenVMS System Manager's Manual, Volume 2: Tuning, Monitoring, and Complex Systems.

Make sure the target system disk is dismounted and on line.

Enter the following command to invoke VMSKITBLD:
```
$ @SYS$UPDATE:VMSKITBLD
```
VMSKITBLD prompts you to choose one of the following options:
```
Operation [BUILD,ADD,COPY]?
```

Enter ADD and press Return.

VMSKITBLD displays messages that either prompt you for information needed to complete the operation or inform you of the procedure's status.
1. In response to the following prompt, enter SYS$SYSDEVICE and press Return:
```
* Enter mounted SOURCE disk name (ddcu:):
```
2. In response to the following prompt, press Return to choose the default:
```
* Enter SOURCE disk top level system directory [default = SYS0]:
```
3. In response to the following prompt, enter the name of the target disk:
```
* Enter TARGET disk name (ddcu:):
```
4. In response to the following prompt, enter the new root directory specification:
```
* Enter TARGET disk top level system directory [default = SYS0]:
```
  Do not specify directories SYSE or SYSF:
  - SYSE is reserved for storing standalone BACKUP.
  - SYSF is reserved for HP use.
When the system displays the dollar sign ($) prompt, the target system directory contains the new system root directory. VMSKITBLD automatically dismounts the target disk.

Configure the new system root by booting the target disk and running AUTOGEN. For instructions, see Configuring a System Root Added with VMSKITBLD.

Example

The following example adds an alternate system root directory named SYSA on the target disk SHEMP$DUA5:

* Enter mounted SOURCE disk name (ddcu:): SYS$SYSDEVICE:
* Enter SOURCE top level system directory [default = SYS0]:RETURN 
* Enter TARGET disk name (ddcu:): SHEMP$DUA5: RETURN 
* Enter TARGET disk top level system directory [default = SYS0]: SYSA RETURN 
%DCL-I-ALLOC, _SHEMP$DUA5: allocated
%MOUNT-I-MOUNTED, VAXVMSRL5   mounted on _SHEMP$DUA5:
    Creating system specific directories ...
    Creating SYSGEN files ...
%SYSGEN-I-CREATED, _SHEMP$DUA5:SWAPFILE.SYS;1 created
%SYSGEN-I-CREATED, _SHEMP$DUA5:PAGEFILE.SYS;1 created
%SYSGEN-I-CREATED, _SHEMP$DUA5:SYSDUMP.DMP;1 created
    System disk complete.
$

Configuring a System Root Added with VMSKITBLD

After you use VMSKITBLD to add an alternate system root directory to a system disk, you must configure system parameters for the new root. Perform the following steps:

Shut down the system and halt your computer. For instructions on shutting down your system, see Performing an Orderly Shutdown with SHUTDOWN.COM.

Perform a conversational boot, as described in the upgrade and installation supplement for your computer.

When the conversational boot prompt (SYSBOOT>) appears, enter the following commands:
```
SYSBOOT> USE DEFAULT
 
SYSBOOT> SET STARTUP_P1 "MIN"
SYSBOOT> CONTINUE
```

After the system boots, log in to the SYSTEM account and execute AUTOGEN from the SAVPARAMS phase to set appropriate values for system parameters.

To reboot from the former root, specify REBOOT as the end phase when invoking AUTOGEN.

To reboot from the new root directory, specify SHUTDOWN as the AUTOGEN end phase, and reboot manually.

See HP OpenVMS System Manager's Manual, Volume 2: Tuning, Monitoring, and Complex Systems and the HP OpenVMS System Management Utilities Reference Manual (AUTOGEN) for detailed information about AUTOGEN.

Example

SYSBOOT> USE DEFAULT
 
SYSBOOT> SET STARTUP_P1 "MIN"
SYSBOOT> CONTINUE
.
.
.
$ @SYS$UPDATE:AUTOGEN SAVPARAMS REBOOT CHECK_FEEDBACK
.
.
.

Using OPCOM to Communicate with System Users

Installing, Upgrading, and Updating Software