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Basic hardware configuration

Adding BTLDs at boot time

To add a driver at boot time (for example during installation) use the link(HW) program. This can only be accessed from the Boot: prompt; it cannot be executed once the kernel has loaded.

Invoke link by typing link at the Boot: prompt and pressing <Enter>, or by using the link= bootstring argument.

If you invoke link directly, it prompts for the names of the packages to load:

   What packages do you need linked into the system,
   or q to quit?: pkg1 pkg2
The link command ignores any link= bootstring arguments.

Alternatively, you can use a link= bootstring argument which has the syntax:

link="pkg1 pkg2 ..."

where pkg1, pkg2 and so on are the names of BTLD packages to be linked into the loaded system kernel.

If the package names do not include the name of the device from which to read the BTLDs, you can define the device using the btld (or btlddev) bootstring. The default device is usually the same as the one from which the boot program was loaded.

After the kernel loads but before it runs, link prompts you to insert the appropriate floppy disk for each BTLD package you specified.

You may now be prompted to enter any tunable parameters and hardware-dependent parameters such as the interrupt vector (IRQ), DMA channel, and base I/O address. If any conflicts occur (for example, if the interrupt vector that the boot-loaded driver wants to use is already occupied by another driver), boot explains the problem, lists the possible resolutions, and prompts you to choose.

If any errors occur while the BTLDs are being extracted, you must reboot the system. Insert the bootable installation media and enter restart at the Boot: prompt to restart the installation or upgrade from the beginning.


NOTE: Retain the BTLD disk(s) for use later in the installation. You will need them to configure the drivers into the Link Kit.


Next topic: Adding BTLDs after initial installation
Previous topic: Using Boot-Time Loadable Drivers

© 2003 Caldera International, Inc. All rights reserved.
SCO OpenServer Release 5.0.7 -- 11 February 2003