Date: Fri, 11 Oct 1996 17:17:03 -0400 From: "Michael P. Deslippe" <tensbum@ix.netcom.com> To: freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Cc: Michael Smith <msmith@atrad.adelaide.edu.au> Subject: Next Problem Message-ID: <3.0b35.32.19961011171659.006a7a04@ix.netcom.com>
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>panic: can't mount root
> rebooting in 15 seconds
>
>and I get an endless loop of reboots.
Well, for those of you who have had similar problems (a search of old
messages indicates that's quite a number) - here's the definitive answer
for at least one permutation of this problem.
When there is more than one drive on the system, each drive has a system
bios number (either 0 or 1). Similarly, each IDE adapter has the ability
to have a master and a slave, each having a distinct number (0, 1, 2 or 3
when two IDE devices are used).
The ROOT mounting command requires identifying both the BIOS number and the
IDE number in the BOOT MOUNT command. When you have a bare-bones dedicated
system, the defaults pretty much cover it. When you scrounge one together
as a part-time system, a little more configuration is required.
at BOOT: enter the appropriate command as follows:
1:wd(2,a)/kernel
| |
| +------------------this is the IDE DEVICE number
This is the Drive BIOS number
Since I have a second IDE drive, the BIOS default of 0 (zero) wouldn't
work, I needed a 1 (one). Since my second drive was not a slave (my ATAPI
CD-ROM requires it be a slave on the first IDE device), it became the third
device and required a 2(two).
If this info is in the documentation, it's in a place where you can't see
it until after it's installed. I'd recommend it be added to the install
document that's readily available on the server (but since a bazillion
folks have managed before me, it's probably not necessary).
In any event, I'm up and running - cheers until the next speed bump!
If God's your co-pilot, switch seats!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Michael P. Deslippe | People who can view their environment and not
The Christian Advisor | see intelligent design, can't be regarded
Galloway, Ohio | intelligently!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
God will not forgive your sins in Heaven,
for He already forgave them at the cross!
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