The system appeared to hang because a getty process was not started for the console.
########## Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 hv2pos hvsi0 hv2pos login: rolfb Password: Last login: Fri May 11 14:01:36 2007 on hvsi0 Linux hv2pos 2.6.18-4-powerpc64 #1 SMP Wed Apr 18 09:02:07 UTC 2007 ppc64 The programs included with the Debian GNU/Linux system are free software; the exact distribution terms for each program are described in the individual files in /usr/share/doc/*/copyright. Debian GNU/Linux comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY, to the extent permitted by applicable law. [EMAIL PROTECTED]:~$ ########## Here is the fix I implemented, since the system is non-HMC managed and the serial cable is attached to port1: [EMAIL PROTECTED]:~$ diff /etc/inittab /etc/inittab.orig 63d62 < co:2345:respawn:/sbin/getty hvsi0 9600 vt100 Note that there are three possible consoles on an IBM p5 Server: co:2345:respawn:/sbin/getty hvsi0 9600 vt100 <== Console via serial port 1 (Non-HMC managed) co:2345:respawn:/sbin/getty hvsi1 9600 vt100 <== Console via serial port 2 (Non-HMC managed) co:2345:respawn:/sbin/getty hvc0 9600 vt100 <== Console via HMC The baud rate is ignored. The serial port baud rates are managed through the Service Processor ASM menues. Rolf
