Module 8 — System Startup, Shutdown & Configuration

Overview

This module covers the OpenVMS startup and shutdown sequence, system parameter management, layered product startup, cluster boot behavior, and troubleshooting boot‑time failures. You’ll work with SYSMAN, SYSGEN, startup logs, and system configuration files.

Exam: Multiple‑Choice Questions

1. Which file controls the system startup sequence on OpenVMS?





2. Which command cleanly shuts down an OpenVMS system?





3. Which utility is used to modify system parameters such as memory, quotas, and I/O settings?





4. Which command displays the current system parameters?





5. Which file contains layered product startup procedures?





Hands‑On Exercises

Exercise 1 — Inspect Startup Files

  1. Display the main startup file:
    TYPE SYS$MANAGER:SYSTARTUP_VMS.COM
  2. Display layered product startup file:
    TYPE SYS$MANAGER:SYCONFIG.COM
  3. Identify:
    • Custom startup commands
    • Layered product initialization
    • Cluster‑specific logic

Exercise 2 — Review Startup Logs

  1. Display the startup log:
    TYPE SYS$MANAGER:STARTUP.LOG
  2. Identify:
    • Errors
    • Missing logical names
    • Failed product startups

Exercise 3 — Modify System Parameters

  1. Enter SYSGEN:
    RUN SYS$SYSTEM:SYSGEN
  2. Display parameters:
    SHOW
  3. Modify a parameter (lab only):
    SET/STARTUP WSMAX 204800
  4. Exit SYSGEN:
    EXIT

Exercise 4 — Perform a Controlled Shutdown

  1. Run the shutdown procedure:
    @SYS$SYSTEM:SHUTDOWN
  2. Choose:
    • Reason
    • Reboot or halt
    • Cluster‑wide or local

Exercise 5 — Diagnose Boot Failures

  1. Review OPERATOR.LOG
  2. Review STARTUP.LOG
  3. Boot conversationally (lab only):
    BOOT -FL 0,1
  4. Inspect startup sequence manually.

Scenario‑Based Troubleshooting Challenges

Scenario 1 — System Hangs During Startup

The system stops after a layered product loads.

Expected approach:

  • Review STARTUP.LOG
  • Temporarily disable product in SYCONFIG.COM
  • Boot conversationally
  • Re‑enable step‑by‑step

Scenario 2 — Parameter Change Prevents Boot

A parameter change causes boot failure.

Expected approach:

  • Boot conversationally
  • Use SYSGEN to revert parameter
  • Check ALPHAVMSSYS.PAR or VAXVMSSYS.PAR
  • Reboot normally

Scenario 3 — Shutdown Does Not Complete

Shutdown hangs waiting for processes.

Expected approach:

  • Identify stuck processes
  • Check batch queues
  • Check network services
  • Force stop only if safe

Answer Key

The answer key for this module is located at:
answers/module8-answers.md

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