AIX 5L Problem Determination - IBM Redbooks

main menu from an RS/6000 Model 43P-140 is shown in Figure 3-5. Newer PCI
systems also have an additional selection called multiboot.
Figure 3-5 SMS main menu
Changing the boot order can also be done with the bootlist command.
Normal boot and service boot on PCI systems
Some PCI systems do not support service mode (for example, the 7248-43P).
The only way to boot in another mode, such as maintenance mode, is to change
the normal bootlist. This can be done with the bootlist -m normal command, if
the system is accessible. If the system is not accessible, this can be done by
booting from installation media and changing the bootlist through the SMS
menus.
All PCI systems have a default bootlist. On modern PCI systems, this default
bootlist can be accessed (and from diag) by using the F5 function key. This is a
good option to use when booting the system in single user mode for accessing
stand-alone diag functions. This cannot be done on older PCI systems. Instead,
a single bootlist is provided and can be reset to the default values by removing
the battery for about 30 seconds. This is because the bootlist is stored in
NVRAM, and the NVRAM is only non-volatile as long as the battery is
maintaining the memory.
Chapter 3. Booting problem determination 21