Search Posts:

DEC VX40 Multia

SHARE

Return to Threads

  DEC VX40 Multia by Bill Degnan - 05/14/2017 10:17
Digital VX40 Multia
This tiny (~10 inches wide) DEC VX40 Multia stared out as a VX40B and was field upgraded to a VX40L-F2 . Click image to see files


Digital VX40 boot screen
Boots up like a typical Alpha from the mid 90's. This system has VMUNIX installed but I have not yet cracked it to get access. Click image to see larger view.


See boot screen succession snapshots.

If you the reader have experience with this hardware or have any comments please contact me. More to come.

Reply
  DEC UNIX 4 hacking for Root Access by Bill Degnan - 10/28/2017 12:48
DEC UNIX CDE Desktop
The DEC UNIX CDE Desktop. Click image for larger view.


I was able to change the DEC UNIX 4 root password as follows:

>>> b dka0 [enter]

# mount -u /
# mount /usr
# passwd
(enter new password 2X. )

HINT: Use a complex password with Upper/Lower/special chars/numbers in the event the system requires complex passwords. Even if you can change the password X Windows might not let you in. I found that in this systems' case the OK button is be greyed out when the password stored in the passwd file does not conform to the rules.

Restart your system.

--------------------

In this particular Multia running DEC UNIX 4 here is what I have to do to get into the DEC GUI known as the Common Desktop Environment (CDE), EXACTLY, from a cold boot (assume you hit enter after each line):

>>> b dka0

# init 3

This initiates the startup script for single user CDE session. Because I am not connected to anything and the system has not been configured the system freezes trying to connect to the network for an update (watch for when the line "Update: started" prints on the screen). To bypass I hit CTRL+C.

Once the startup script finishes the system asks me to log in. Upon successful login I am greeted with a # prompt again.

To enter the CDE I enter these commands:

# ./xlogin stop
# ./xlogin start

(why I can't use restart I don't know)

Finally, I get to the CDE GUI login screen prompts.

NOTE: If you have issues check /etc/securettys for lines that contain references to :0 in them (meaning root display ":0" can login locally).

Useful page:
http://bhami.com/rosetta.html

Reply
  Better Login by Bill Degnan - 01/21/2022 18:21
>>> b dka0

# init 3

-log in-

#cd /sbin/init.d/

# ./xlogin start

login once the GUI boots up.

Reply

Resources:


Buy a Commodore Computer Poster

Popular Topics and FAQs


  • Commodore B Series Tips and Tricks
  • Aerocomp TRS 80 M 1 Expansion Unit DDC
  • Items Wanted
  • Lobo Max 80
  • Zenith Z-19-CN
  • Prototype PET 2001 photo
  • Using Toggle Switches to Analyze Memory
  • Commodore Disk Archive Project
  • PET 2001 Prototype at Gametronics 1977
  • Jim Butterfield Photo
  • IMSAI 8080 With Processor Tech. Cutter
  • Secrecy is the keystone of all tyranny
  • Cromemco System Three
  • Northstar Horizon - Boot Problem
  • Computer History and Restoration Links
  • Commodore BX-256-80 - 8088 Co-processor
  • S-100 board testing with Z-80 ICE
  • Donner 3500 - an early portable computer
  • Digital (DEC) PDP 11/05 NC Assembly
  • Univac 1219 rescue
  • IMSAI 1.4 BASIC vs. MITS 8K BASIC
  • Fido BBS listing node list 6-13-1986
  • PDP 8e
  • MITS 88-2 SIO (2SIO) for BASIC
  • Visual Technology Inc Model 1050
  • Amiga 2500 Restoration
  • The Evolution Of IBM Computers
  • Replacement teletype print hammer head
  • Archiving and Copying Software 101
  • Computers Built 1940 - 1950
  • CBM B-520 (a.k.a B256-80 or B500 256)
  • RCA COSMAC Microkit
  • Commodore 64K C-116 Mods
  • MITS 8800b Turnmon 9600 baud
  • Catweasel, 8in and 5 1/4
  • Raspberry Pi as Gateway to Internet
  • Digital PDP11 late 1969 early 1970
  • PDP 11/40 72 inch cabinet model
  • PDP 11/40 Industrial 11 model
  • Digitial MicroVAX 3100 30 System
  • Digital VAX 4000-200
  • Commodore 64 / 1541 DRIVEKNOCK
  • Booting the System Using RL02 drive
  • PACS: Reflections by Kathleen Mauchly
  • Tele-Graphic Computer Systems Inc.
  • Commodore B Series SID Jukebox?
  • Installing Core into PDP 11/40
  • Setting Up OpenVMS 7.1 DNS CLERK
  • Felt-Tarrant Comptometer Model J
  • NextStation Color
  • Digital Rainbow (PC100-B2)
  • 1970 Compusad Compulogical Tutor
  • Archiving Papertapes Using DSI NC 2400
  • 1976 P.C.C. Features the MAI JOLT 6502
  • 1961 Beckman DEXTIR Computer
  • UNIVAC 1 and UNIVAC File Computer 1
  • Past Issues:


    tele graphic Tele graphic front

    This image was selected at random from the archive. Click image for more photos and files from this set.