Recovering when the console does not show a sign-on display or a menu with a command line

Use this procedure to recover when the console does not show a sign-on display or a menu with a command line for i5/OS^®.

1. Locate the workstation that is used as the primary console. See Determining the primary or alternate console.
2. Make sure the workstation cables are attached correctly and are 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, do the following:
   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 hardware service provider.
5. If you cannot sign on to an alternative console, perform a manual IPL by following these steps:
   1. Set the system to Manual mode.
   2. Select function 3 and press Enter. The IPL Option display is shown.
6. Were you able to get to the IPL Option display?
   • No: Contact your next level of support or your hardware service provider.
   • Yes: Continue with the next step.
7. To access the Configuration Commands menu, perform the following steps on the IPL Options display:
   1. Specify Y (Yes) in the Define or change system at IPL field
   2. Specify N (No) in the Set major system option field and press Enter.
8. To see the controller description for the console, select option 2 (Controller description commands).
   1. Verify that the controller was created correctly (for example, CTL01).
   2. If the name has been changed, see Find the primary console when the system is operational.
9. To see the device description for the console, select option 3 (Device description commands).
   1. Verify that the device was created correctly (for example, DSP01).
   2. If the name has been changed, see Find the primary console when the system is operational.