[lunatic]

Now Step 3, loading the IRIX kernel, requires a kernel specialized to the system platform. In your case it is "unix.IP28". But from the message printed "bootfile not set", we know that something slipped and it somehow forgot which kernel to load. The IP28 firmware has other bugs, so this just seems to be another bug.

Have you tried doing "resetenv" before starting the installation? It might help. Alternatively, you can do the above numbered steps manually: instructions forthcoming.

Maybe not just a bug. As you wrote this, I remembered that the OP wrote that he had this machine stored for many years, which might result in an empty NVRAM. So checking the PROM environment settings would be a good idea.

[roach-commuter]

Now Step 3, loading the IRIX kernel, requires a kernel specialized to the system platform. In your case it is "unix.IP28". But from the message printed "bootfile not set", we know that something slipped and it somehow forgot which kernel to load. The IP28 firmware has other bugs, so this just seems to be another bug.

Have you tried doing "resetenv" before starting the installation? It might help. Alternatively, you can do the above numbered steps manually: instructions forthcoming.

Maybe not just a bug. As you wrote this, I remembered that the OP wrote that he had this machine stored for many years, which might result in an empty NVRAM. So checking the PROM environment settings would be a good idea.

Which PROM env variable are you referring to specifically? I am still unable to run an irix install on this machine and I have been trying for days.

[weblacky]

Well I'll chime in with my usual gripe, resetenv doesn't work on any SGI without an Irix install. So catch-22. And without a programmer the Dallas RTC didn't provide ANY shortcut to "blanking" the RTC chip...which would then cause the Indigo2 to reset all NVRAM for him. Unless he has a hacked RTC where you can remove the battery (that would also blank it). This has been a huge gripe of mine for awhile, I keep getting systems where the previous owner frick'd with the NVRAM and changed stuff. I NEVER CHANGE NVRAM variables from defaults...so things just work for me. You have to go through a bunch of bull to reset ENVs without a working irix install. It's not just a jumper or whatever...sad.

To reset PROM variables you need to either have the OS or a "new" or blank RTC. Roach-Commuter if you have a way of blanking the RTC or using another blank RTC, that would reset the all ENVs. Depends on what you have available. If you don't have access to another correct RTC chip, buying a cheap programmer and overwriting the RTC is an idea to force the system to reset all settings in NVRAM.

Also, can anyone chime in to check his PROM version? I didn't see it listed. Perhaps a later PROM can be installed (via new EEPROM) that would de-bug his situation? I've never had to fool with PROMs on these older (NON-FLASHABLE) PROMs so it's out of my wheelhouse.

Best of luck.

[Raion]

Take a photo of your env setup. "printenv"

Also resetenv does work without an IRIX install, at least it has for me.

[weblacky]

resetenv comes from a HDD partition, I've tried it 3 times in the last 2 years (hoping I remembered wrong, nope), even tried it on the system you sold me....command not found because executable not found!

Try doing it without a drive and you'll see, the PROM gains several commands through irix installs base, I think it comes from the Miniroot partition volume or something. Eitherway, No irix, no resetenv. Even though printenv and changing works, reset not available.

[lunatic]

Which PROM env variable are you referring to specifically? I am still unable to run an irix install on this machine and I have been trying for days.

The paths and file names for kernel and sash are set in the PROM. It is probably best if you go into the PROM, enter "hinv" and "printenv" and post the output here. Some people here will make sense of this. It has been a long time since I have seen an IP28 actually.

[sunray]

Take a photo of your env setup. "printenv"

Also resetenv does work without an IRIX install, at least it has for me.

resetenv is available in from "Enter command monitor" on Indigo2 IP28, see attached picture

[weblacky]

Resetenv: Watch what happens we he tries it :-)

It's never worked for me without a working irix Installed Miniroot. Should say command executable not found, my biggest SGI gripe.

[Irinikus]

It kind of makes sense, as the system has to source the environment variables from somewhere. If the battery is dead then it will only be able to source them from what’s on the hard drive.

If worst comes to worst, he could always load the variables manually with the "setenv" command!!!

Here's a "printenv" from my machine: (For reference!)

[weblacky]

Oh sure, if you know which ones are giving trouble? That’s what’s being proposed.

It was asked that the original poster post all the variables from printenv. Great, if that happens maybe we see something out of line? Maybe not.

But of course in the PC world you could just set bios defaults and set up anything that’s different.

Not in SGI land, unless you either put in a blank RTC or have the battery hack and can remove the battery to Blank NVRAM yourself. A dumb consequence of not having a hardware mechanism to blank settings and force set up of defaults.