4
Up-Line Dumps
If you report a problem to Digital Equipment Corporation (see Chapter 5) you
could be asked to include an up-line dump or crash dump file. If a Gateway-ST
node crashes, it writes the contents of its memory into a dump file on any
available load host. The procedure of writing the contents of memory to a load
host is called an up-line memory dump or a crash dump. After an up-line
(or crash) dump, the Gateway-ST node automatically tries to reload the
Gateway-ST software.
If a Gateway-ST system ‘‘hangs’’ (stops working part way through the execution
of a program), you can force a crash dump by pressing the dump button on the
back of the DEC MicroServer (see Figure 1–1).
The Gateway-ST produces an up-line dump in the following sequence:
1.
The Gateway-ST node detects a fatal error.
2.
The Gateway-ST sends out a message on the Ethernet calling for any node
on the Ethernet to receive an up-line memory dump.
3.
Entries in the DECnet configuration database of each node on the Ethernet
determine whether that node recognizes the Gateway-ST and whether the
necessary service is enabled. Any node that can accept a dump sends a
message back to the Gateway-ST.
4.
The Gateway-ST then dumps its memory onto the node that responds
first. The node that receives the dump data simultaneously creates the
dump file. If the node has insufficient disk space for the dump file, the
Gateway-ST attempts to dump its memory a number of times. Whether or
not the Gateway-ST successfully dumps its memory, it proceeds with the
process described in step 5.
5.
Once the up-line dump is completed (dumping will take several minutes),
the Gateway-ST automatically attempts to load the Gateway-ST software
again. The process is as follows:
•
The Gateway-ST node sends out a message on the Ethernet calling for
any node on the Ethernet to load the Gateway-ST system image.
Up-Line Dumps 4–1
