How do you test SLT's ?  Is it not just a validate process or do you actually test the tapes on test HP3000 hardware?

-------------- Original message from Mike Hornsby <[log in to unmask]>: -------------- 


> donna hofmeister wrote: 
> > doing a bit of research regarding slt's. 
> > 
> > when you make an slt, are you adding anything to the tape? that is, 
> > are you specifying extra files be stored? - d 
> IMHO, The SLT should have everything required to accomplish the first 
> four steps of a 
> system INSTALL:. 1. Boot from Alternate Path to ISL, 2. Install MPE/iX 
> to the Primary Path, 
> 3. Restore @[log in to unmask],@[log in to unmask], & all diagnostics. 4. Reboot to ISL and 
> START. 
> 
> Notes from experience over time: 
> A. It is also very important to also have the HP Factory media handy. 
> Some bugs in the past 
> created SLT tapes that would validate but were non functional. And, it 
> is possible that disk 
> errors or more frequently patch errors can result in a series of SLTs 
> that have latent problems. 
> These HP Factory media should be stored in a safe place with a note on 
> the console with a 
> clue to where this safe place is. 
> 
> B. It is very common for SLTs to play hide and seek. It is not at all 
> amusing to play this 
> game at 2:30am. It is a good idea to have multiple copies, one stored in 
> a safe place and 
> another physically attach to the system in a folder/envelope that also 
> contains a SYSGEN 
> or better yet a SYSINFO configuration listing. If the stable storage is 
> lost due to a replacement 
> of a processor or main board, establishing the correct alternate and 
> primary boot paths from 
> the configuration listing is preferable to the trial and error method. 
> 
> C. If you have disk arrays it is a good idea to have a separate 
> dedicated console ( if applicable) 
> and have the MPE/iX based diagnostics (if applicable) included in the 
> SLT tape. These arrays 
> work very well, until they don't. The host based diagnostics usually 
> have a more comprehensive 
> command set, and are far easier to use than the array front panel or 
> direct connected console. 
> 
> D. If you have a CD attached to the system it is a good idea to acquire 
> the the HP diagnostics 
> CD and keep it physically attached to the system. The CD can load the 
> Offline Diagnostic 
> Environment (ODE) at least 100 times faster than the SLT tape. 
> http://software.hp.com/portal/swdepot/displayProductsList.do?category=ER 
> 
> Also, as a PLUG for Beechglen's support services, build into our support 
> coverage is 
> testing of our customer's SLTs and a full disaster recover test. It is 
> one thing to think 
> that you have all the necessary components. It is much better to have an 
> independent 
> party perform a complete end to end test. 
> 
> Cordially, 
> Mike Hornsby 
> CTO Beechglen Development Inc. 
> Support for MPE since 1988 
> 513-922-0509 x 31 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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