[SOLVED] Debian Sparc, install OK, but then cant open boot device

[Cobalt60]

Hello. I JUST registered here as I have not used Linux in several months. Linux and I have been and off and on relationship, but after I realized Ubuntus limitations Ive pretty much only dealt only with Debian (on PPC as well as x86, and also some Suse on x86).

Anyway, so I just picked up a couple Sun Ultra 5s for free. One had 256MB RAM (4 x 64MB), a 4.3GB IDE HD (no SCSI in the Ultra 5), and booted fine in Solaris up to the login screen at which point it wasnt really any use to me since I dont know the login name or password, and really want to run Linux anyway. The other I am told needed a firmware (chip?) and basically didnt do much more than power on. However, it had a 40GB HD and 2 x 128MB RAM modules. So, I replaced the 4.3GB drive with the 40GB, and replaced 2 of the 64MB RAM modules with 2 128MB modules, for a total of 384MB RAM.

BTW, both machines have the 270MHz Ultra1 CPU. Anyway, I used my main Windows x86 machine (which Im on now), downloaded the Debian SPARC net install, and burned it to a CD. Put the CD in the Ultra 5, installation proceeded nicely, though with one disconcerting message stating the urgency of which a reboot was required (though still telling me to wait for installation to finish). I mean, the whole installation process basically went perfectly except that one odd message.

So, when install is complete, I choose finish installation, the machine reboots, ejects the CD, and then ultimately get a message saying "cant open boot device". I am very new to Sun hardware, and am by no means an expert to Linux. The only thing Ive really tried so far is to type "boot hda" which only causes the same message to appear.

From previous experience, I have written on paper the info for all of my partitions. So I think my Debian install is sitting there waiting to be utilized, but the Sun hardware is oblivious to the fact that theres a perfectly good OS on the machine yearning to be booted. I appreciate any help!

-Chris P

[Cobalt60]

Im sorry just a minor correction, the CPU is a IIi @ 270MHz.

I also picked up one other system which was an Ultra2, which has dual 200MHz UltraSPARC I CPUs, but that totally refused to boot the Debian NetInstall CD. Im sure it didnt help that the 50-pin SCSI CDROM was pulled from a Dell server, but I understand that some older firmware on Ultra2s gives trouble booting from CDs, and figured that was my problem. But, IMHO, the Ultra2 is a more desirable machine than the Ultra 5, with 4x maximum memory and support for dual CPUs. But first I want to tame the Ultra 5 as it seems easier.

[Cobalt60]

Some more info to add. Before I installed the HD, I set the jumper to Master. Again, the entire install process seemed sucessful. But now if I type "probe-ide" I get a message like:

Device 0 (Primary Master)
Not Present

Device 1 (Primary Slave)
Not Present

Device 2 (Secondary Master)
Removable ATAPI CD blah blah blah

Device 2 (Secondary Slave)
ATAPI blah blah blah

Well Im still searching the net for general Linux help on the Ultra 5 but please do offer any advice you think may help.

[Cobalt60]

In hindsight, I should have tried "boot disk". Anyway, I put the drive in slave mode, and typed in "boot disk1" and it started to boot Debian. However, it was still looking for root on hda (though now the drive is hdb). So, I put in the Debian installer, manually changed the partitions, and skipped to finish installation. This did not solve the problem, it was still looking on hda for root. Anyway, I am currently re-installing.

[Cobalt60]

Wow its lonely out here in Debian on Sparc Land. Anyway, I consider this problem solved. I now successfully boot Linux up to the point where my monitor resolution changes and my screen goes black. A common experience for me trying to run Linux.