Recover when the console does not vary on

Use this procedure to help resolve console vary-on problems.

If the system is logically partitioned, references to the system, console, displays, system commands, and system values are relative to the partition having a problem. References to the control panel refer to the "Work with partition" status display functions if the problem is in a secondary partition, or the actual control panel if the problem is in the primary partition.
  1. Locate the workstation that is used as the primary console. See Determine the primary or alternative consoles.
  2. Make sure the workstation cables are attached correctly and set to the correct address.
  3. Can you sign on to an alternative console?
    • Yes: Continue with the next step.
    • No: Go to step 5.
  4. If you can sign on to an alternative console, perform the following steps:
    1. Make sure the primary console controller (for example, CTL01) and device description (for example, DSP01) have been created or restored. To check the device description, use the command WRKCFGSTS *CTL.
    2. If descriptions exist, check the system operator message to determine why the primary console failed.
    3. Take corrective actions indicated in the message.
    4. If you still cannot solve the problem, set the system to the Normal mode and call your software service representative.
  5. If you cannot sign on to an alternative console, perform the following steps:
    1. Set the system to the Manual mode, select function 3, and press Enter to start an IPL. You will see the IPL Option display.
    2. Were you able to get to the IPL Option display?
      • No: Contact your hardware service provider.
      • Yes: On the IPL Options display, specify Y (Yes) in the Define or change system at IPL field, N (No) in the Set major system option field and press Enter. The Configuration Commands menu appears.
    3. Select option 2 (Controller description commands) to see the controller description for the console. Verify that the controller (for example, CTL01) was created correctly. If the name has been changed, see Find the primary console when the system is operational in this topic.
    4. Select option 3 (Device description commands) to see the device description for the console. Verify that the device (for example, DSP01) was created correctly. If the name has been changed, see Find the primary console when the system is operational in this topic.
Parent topic: Problem analysis procedures