Help with AT&T 3B2/300

[Richard Meesters]

In article <1603 at sparko.gwu.edu>, best at seas.gwu.edu (keith best) writes:
> I need help from some Unix gurus out there....preferably those familiar with
> AT&T's line of 3B2 computers.  The library where I work has a 3B2/300 computer 
> that has not been used in about 4 years.  I recently tried to set it up for someproductive use but I do not have the passwords for ROOT or SYSADM.  Therefore, it is practically useless.  The previous system administrators are no longer available.
> I have all the original software and documentation (I hope) and would not discard the idea of deleting everything and reloading the system from scratch.  I have followed the ROOT RECOVERY METHOD as outlined in the documents to the letter without success.
> Previously when I tried to access the FIRMWARE mode, I got an NVRAM SANITY 
> failure: I have since replaced the battery, but now I get a SYSTEM FAILURE: 
> CONSULT YOUR SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION UTILITIES GUIDES.  This guide does not mention this error message.  The FLOPPY KEY disk gives the same error.
> The system is running SYSTEM V Release 2.0 3B2 Version 2.0.  We are way past
> support from AT&T who donated the computer system so we would appreciate any
> help from knowledgeable users out there.

The System failure message is nothing to be overly concerned about.  When that
message comes up, you should enter your firmware password, (the default, as
can be found in TFM is "mcp".  If the password doesn't work, check the parity
of your terminal.  Try using 8 bit no parity or 7 bit space parity on the 
console terminal.

Once you've entered firmware mode, you will probobly be more comfortable if
you rebuild the system from scratch.  There are two reasons for this.  1)
If you don't know the configuration and setup of the system, it will start you
out with a clean slate.  2) You will probably learn more about the system by
setting it up yourself.

If you have further questions, feel free to e-mail me.

Regards,

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     Richard A Meesters                |
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