Scanco Administration

Introductory Material

OpenVMS Beginner's FAQ

This is very useful: http://saf.bio.caltech.edu/vms_beginners_faq.html

Helpful VMS commands

UNIX to OpenVMS [1]
Directory listing

$ dir /size=all /grand_total [...] 
$ dir [...*.aim]

Delete

$ delete *.aim;*
$ dl *.aim

Delete a directory that is full. CAUTION!

$ SET FILE/PROT=O:RWED [.SUBDIR...]*.*;*
$ DELETE [.SUBDIR...]*.*;*                  ! Repeat until no error messages appear.  Each iteration gets rid of more sub directories.
$ SET FILE/PROT=O:RWED SUBDIR.DIR
$ DELETE SUBDIR.DIR;

or

$ dl disk2:[microct.projects...]*.dir     ! A for all; do until sub-dirs are gone
$ dl subdir.dir
$ @scom:dl.com subdir.dir

If the file cannot be deleted to due a permission error

$ purge 12_RAD_FX.AIM
%PURGE-W-FILNOTPUR, error deleting DISK4:[BONELAB.PROJECTS.MULTILOAD.CAMOS]12_RAD_FX.AIM;1
-RMS-E-FLK, file currently locked by another user

Do the following:

$ set ho 0  ! log in as calibration
$ spb 
$ del DISK4:[BONELAB.PROJECTS.MULTILOAD.CAMOS]12_RAD_FX.AIM;1
$ logout

If that still doesn't work, then maybe you need to kill a process first:

$ show device  disk4 /file   ! shows all the files currently involved in a process
$ set ho 0     ! log in as 'system'
$ stop /id=2081F1EC
$ del DISK4:[BONELAB.PROJECTS.MULTILOAD.CAMOS]12_RAD_FX.AIM;1
$ logout

Copy

As user system you can copy files between accounts (e.g., microct and devel). There is no need to set user/priv=bypass as this is set by default as user system.

If you want to copy between two users (i.e. normal users, not calibration or system), then you can only write on the user directories for which you are logged in. So, if you want to copy files from account xtremect2 to microct, you need to log into microct account and copy the file from xtremect2 to microct

If you want to use the backup command for copying multiple subdirectories with the three dots (e.g., disk2:[microct.data.00000034...]) then you HAVE to put an /owner=devel at the end:

$ backup/log disk2:[microct.data.00000034...] -
        disk2:[devel.data.00000034...]/own=devel

UNIX filenames on VMS with multiple '.'

The directory names would have been cvs-1.11.21.dir on Linux. However VMS doesn't allow more than 1 . in the name. If you enter

$ set process/parse=extended

in a terminal you'll be able to access these files. You could consider renaming them i.e. cvs-1_11_21.dir.

Change hosts

$ mcr latcp show service *   ! and if it shows you SCTHIN:
$ set host scthin ! or
$ set host scthin/lat

Send a message

$ reply/all "hello there"

Files, Disks and Backup

Undelete Files

The Disk/File Utility (DFU) will allow you to restore files that have been deleted, however, you will only be able to do so if the disk space hasn't been overwritten. This means that unless all scanning and access to the disk is stopped, you likely only have a couple of hours at most to undelete the files.

To undelete a file you need to login as "system".

$ dfu
DFU> undelete diskX: /file=myfile OR undelete filepath/filename

For example, suppose we want to restore an RSQ (C0001234.RSQ) that was deleted from the BH data disk (disk2):

DFU> undelete disk2:/file=C0001234.RSQ

If the file can be undeleted successfully (i.e., without corruption), then you will be asked if you wish to restore the file. Type "y" or "n".
When done restoring desired files, to get out of dfu:

DFU> exit
$ logout

NOTE: The undelete function will lock access to the disk while it searches for a file and until you respond "y" or "n" to restoring it. This means that all programs and commands trying to access the disk (i.e., by other people using the system) will appear to freeze momentarily until the disk is unlocked. If you search for a specific file, the lock period will be very short (maybe 15-30 seconds). If you search for files in general (e.g., *.RSQ), the lock period will be longer (maybe 5 to 10 minutes). Note, you cannot search specific locations for files (i.e., a folder on a disk). Files are restored to their original location on disk. More information on DFU can be found here: http://digiater.nl/dfu.html

Mount a CDROM

Device could be dqa0 or dqb0. I'm not sure which works:

$ mount/foreign dqa0:

OR

$ mount/override=id dqa0:

Then

$ dismount dqa0:

Use the PROJECT TOOLS

These tools were developed by Helen Buie and apply to the vivaCT 40 and uCT 35 systems. They are for archiving a PROJECT onto mike.kin.

Setting up Email

If you use tcpip$config you can switch on the mail server under Client Components. As system:

 $ @tcpip$config
 -> 2 (client components)
 -> 6 (SMTP)
 -> 2 (Enable & Start services)

Since your smtp server is not registered anywhere, it can be that emails sent from this server will be filtered out as spam on the way to your mailbox. In that case you would need a so called MX record for your mail server. Contact UofC IT to resolve this issue.

Backup Tool

$@COM:BACKUPPROJECT

the user will be prompted for information regarding their backup
a command script is generated based on the user's input
a saveset file is created for the whole project
a saveset file is created for the COM directory
a saveset file is created for the IMA directory
savesets are created in DISK6:[BONELAB.PROJECTS.BACKUP] for the vivaCT/uCT and DISK3:[MICROCT.PROJECTS.ARCHIVE] for the XtremeCT
a project info file is created
a file list is created of the full saveset (whole project)
all files are transferred to mike.kin.ucalgary.ca in ../../Data0/microct_archive/
after the transfer, the saveset files on disk are deleted
the log for the backup and the file list are emailed to the user
if you do not receive an email and the job has failed, please check sys$scratch for the log

Delete Tool

$@COM:DELETEPROJECT

the user will be prompted for information regarding the deletion
a command script is generated to delete all files, then all directories
the command script is opened so that the user can check the files to be removed
the user is then asked if they would like to run the command file

Restore Tool

$@COM:RESTOREPROJECT

the user will be prompted for the name of the saveset to be restored
the saveset file info is obtained from mike.kin.ucalgary.ca to determine the original project location
the user is asked if they wish to restore to the original location, or to a new location
a command script is generated to transfer the saveset, reset the file attributes, and extract the files
the user is then asked if they would like to run the command file

Known Bugs in Project Tools

if the user specifies too long a file name, the program project tools will fail with the following error:

    RMS-E-CRE, ACP file create failed
    SYSTEM-W-BADFILENAME, bad file name syntax

Check status of disk array

To look at the disks in an MSA30 tower: There are several options to check the status of the disks. One is, if it is installed, to use the command-line utility

$ mcr msa$util

as "system". Enter

MSA> set controller
MSA> show unit
MSA> show disks
MSA> exit

Another is to start the WBEM web interface, which shows the status of the hardware graphically.

It is possible to fix a disk array that hasn't booted by doing the following:

 At the login prompt, type 'shutdown'. This will get you to the >>> prompt.

There should be a RAID card, for example on Percy, named pya0. Try:

 >>> show device
 >>> set auto_action halt
 >>> init
 >>> run bios pya0
 >>> set auto_action restart
 >>> boot

Check status of OpenVMS system

If when rebooting a VMS system there is a failure, sometimes a message can be repeated many times. The way to stop this repeating message is to press ctrl-C or ctrl-P to get to the >>> prompt.

Then show some of the device information, either specifically

 >>> show device py*
 >>> show device dy*

or in general

 >>> show device

which might show more than needed. The output of

 >>> show bootdef_dev

can also be useful.

Once settings are all good, you can reboot the system with

 >>> init
 >>> set bootbios pyb0
 >>> boot

Extract disk usage information

To look at the RSQs in the database

$ dir/siz dk0:[microct.data...]*.rsq

the three dots means all subdirectories.

Other useful commands:

$ ctheader xxxxxx.isq

or

$ ctheader xxxxxx.rsq

shows you header.

$ fda command file-wildcard

does a 'file do all' of the command on all the given wildcard filenames.

$ pipe xxxx | search sys$pipe "patient"

is the pipe command in VMS.

So all three combined:

$ pipe fda ctheader dk0:[microct.data...]*.rsq | search sys$pipe "patient name"

or any other field you want to search for!

If you have a more complex program to run (e.g. with an argument), use the double quotes as follows:

pipe fda "aix -l" *.AIM | search sys$pipe "Patient Name"

Other ideas:

$ write_info

gives you a file sys$scratch:info.txt with info in it (leave defaults to get all samples ever scanned, otherwise 'zoom' in on some samples.)

Check out the search command:

$ help search

and /match=and or /match=or

UCT_BACKUP

Weekly backups with `UCT_BACKUP`

The WEEKLY BACKUP can be run from the UCT_BACKUP program at the bottom.

The backup captures DISK1 and DISK0 (the MICROCT and MICROCT_COMMON stuff). This includes the programs and databases.

A little helper terminal comes up and gives feedback of every file backed up.

The backup is very fast (and important).

Manage files with `UCT_BACKUP`

Two possible ways to use UCT_BACKUP:

COPY TO -> this does not update the database.
MOVE TO -> this updates the database.

Scenario 1:

1. Use UCT_BACKUP to 'move' the RSQ to 'tape'
2. Use UCT_BACKUP to 'move' the ISQ to 'garbage'
3. Use UCT_BACKUP to 'move' the remainder (AIM/GOBJ) to 'tape'

At operation 3, the measurement directory will be deleted from the measurement disk. The directory will automatically be restored if you restore your data from tape.

Scenario 2:

1. Use UCT_BACKUP to 'move' the RSQ to 'tape'
2. Use UCT_BACKUP to 'move' the ISQ to 'garbage'
3. Move all the GOBJ/AIM/etc to a project directory.
4. Generate a .SAV file and put on the IMA tape.

Note: You will have to delete the measurement directories (using UCT_BACKUP if you like). The disadvantage of this scenario is that the image data cannot be restored using UCT_BACKUP.

Use the new `UCT_BACKUP` software

New Features (i) You can now select multiple samples with the Shift and/or the Ctrl key; and (2) You can use the sample name filter field on top to display only names containing the filter string.

Start the move/copy by clicking on 'Start...' The 'Script...' button is for advanced users.

Advanced Users: Use of the 'Script...' button: this will generate a script, sys$scratch:archive.com, that you may submit in batch mode later (e.g. over night) by typing:

$ scanco_submit_command sys$scratch:archive.com/after=23:59

(In a multi-computer cluster setup, you may want to specify the exact queue name of the computer that has the tape hooked up by giving e.g. /que=sceval_fast )

Insert a tape, but do NOT mount the tape in the normal program. (If necessary: if it's a new tape, initialize it as usual). The batch job will be started one minute before midnight in the example above. $ show entry will show you that it is holding until then. See $ help submit /after and $ help dcl_tips date_time example for more help on this.

Sample script file (archive.com) restoring the RSQs of measurements 6452 and 6580:

$ MOUNT/FOREIGN TP0:
$ UCT_BACKUP_BATCH
ALL
RAW
COPY
DISK
! Meas: SB_BUIE_EX_CTRL_PH_01 (6452)
MEAS
6452
EXECUTE
! Meas: SB_BUIE_EX_CTRL_PH_01 (6580)
MEAS
6580
EXECUTE
EXIT
$ DISMOUNT TP0:
$ EXIT

Little Reminder: While the tape is running and writing to it, DO NOT LOG OUT, DO NOT INTERRUPT THE PROGRAM! This would make that tape unusable from this point on - you could still read from that tape up to this point, but could not add more scans to this tape. What to do when tape is full? It then displays some message about continuing on another tape. Hit ctrl/c to interrupt the program, take a fresh tape, initialize it, select the remaining scans to archive again, hit 'start'.

And last but not least: WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO DO THE WEEKLY BACKUP (SAFETY BACKUP OF USER DISK1 WITH YOUR DATABASES ON IT). Two users DID experience disk crashes last year, and without the weekly backup, you may still have all scans on the data disk (e.g. disk2), but without the databases you cannot tell which scans belong the which sample!

How to do weekly backup: insert 'special' weekly backup tape, e.g. week_a, and just hit 'Full backup to tape'.

Move a whole directory structure with BACKUP command

Sometimes we want to move entire directories. For example, moving a measurement directory from DISK2 to DISK6, or moving a project to another disk.

Here is how to move a project:

 $ BACKUP DISK2:[MICROCT.PROJECTS...] DISK3:[MICROCT.PROJECTS...]/VERIFY

Note the use of ... in both places.

If you move a data measurement, you could do it as follows:

 $ BACKUP DISK2:[XTREMECT2.DATA...] DISK6:[XTREMECT2.DATA...]/LOG/VERIFY

In both cases, you can add a /DELETE command to so that it deletes after the move is completed and verified.

 $ BACKUP/VERIFY/DELETE DISK2:[XTREMECT2.DATA...] DISK6:[XTREMECT2.DATA...]/LOG/VERIFY

Alternatively, you can simply check that the move was successful, and then delete the original files:

 $ delete disk2:[microctt.projects...]*.*;*
 $ dl disk2:[microctt.projects...]*.dir     ! A for all; do until sub-dirs are gone

Note that I've misspelled "microctt" on purpose as these commands are VERY dangerous. You could wipe out a lot of data by accident. Be careful!

Move a directory on the same device

You can simply use the rename command to move a directory on the same device, but you need to set DELETE protection for the file owner for this to work

$ set prot=o:rwed <dir>.dir
$ ren <dir>.dir new:[parent.directory]
$ set prot=o:rwe new:[parent.directory]<dir>.dir

Fix a stubborn tape drive

If the drive cannot be mounted, or it is not visible with

$ show device tp0

then something went wrong. For example, the server computer was booted while the tape was turned off. It then does not load the driver.

You can 'force load' it - but this will disconnect the scanner for a moment, so only do it while no scan is running:

as user system, on sc3309:

$ mcr sysman io auto

$ show dev tp0

and you should see it now (otherwise turn on the tape drive, and do again)

Then you'll also have to make it available to all users:

$ @sys$startup:scanco_setup_devices.com

NOTE: See "Fix a non-responsive tape drive" elsewhere in this wiki.

Extracting RSQ or ISQ files from a tape

Generally, all files on the tape can be extracted, or only specific files. To extract all files on a tape, for example, a tape received from a collaborator, insert the tape into the drive and do the following:

 $ cd ur
 $ create/dir [.collaborator]
 $ create/dir [.collaborator.com]
 $ create/dir [.collaborator.log]
 $ create/dir [.collaborator.models]
 $ cd ur collaborator models
 $ backup/log tp0:*.sav []/by=parent  ! be sure you are the user (i.e. 'microct' or 'xtremect2') that has permission
 $ backup/log tp0:*.sav DISK4:[BONELAB.PROJECTS.FRAMINGHAM.MODELS...]/by=parent ! The "..." keeps the directory structure. The /by=parent ensures owner of the files is same as parent directory

This will save all the files on the tape to the current directory. Alternatively, if you only want a certain file extracted from the tape, such as an RSQ file, do essentially the same as per above, except with a different final command:

 $ backup/log tp0:*.sav/select=*.rsq []/by=parent

The /by=parent part of the command is a qualified for the file owner, and it makes the files that are copied the same owner as the parent directory (nothing to do with how directories are structured). The [...] generates sub-directories.

Save Sets (.SAV)

Archive a project onto tape with a SAV file

Projects should be stored safely onto a backup tape once complete.

Summary

The following steps summarize the process:

Archive the project directory to the tape (detailed instructions below).
Change tape to "read only" to protect contents
Check tape saveset to ensure proper backup
Write name of tape on the project LOG sheet
Copy project LOG sheet and bring to Bone Imaging Laboratory "completed" project book
Bring copy of tape to the Bone Imaging Laboratory for safe keeping
Delete the contents of the project from the disk

In the project, there should be the regular set of directories including DOC, COM, MODELS, LOG. Once the project is stored to tape, ensure that the log sheet for that project include a note stating which tape it was backed up to. Take a photocopy of the log sheet and add it to our Bone Imaging Laboratory project book for COMPLETED projects.

In the following example, a project titled BERN is backed up onto tape. Ideally, the name of the SAV file on tape is the same as the project (i.e., BERN). Note that SAV files must have names with no more than 13 characters (including the .SAV)!

The following example backs the BERN project/directory onto tape IMA001. For large projects and/or critical projects, it is advisable to dedicate an entire tape. The three dots (...) indicate that ALL subfolders of DK0:[MICROCT.PROJECTS.BERN] will be included.

$ mount/foreign tp0:

$ backup/log dk0:[microct.projects.bern...]*.*;* tp0:proj_bern.sav -  ! writes a saveset to tape
        /block=65534 /label=IMA001 -
        /media_format=nocompaction     ! NEVER use the /rewind option here

$ backup/log tp0:*.sav/select=*.isq DISK4:[BONELAB.PROJECTS.TBONE.ISQ_FROM_TAPE...]/by=parent  ! extracts all ISQ files from the tape

$ dismount tp0:  
$ dismount tp0: /nounload ! same as previous command, but does not eject the tape (i.e. if you want to read the tape once more)

Note that the /rewind option should never be used for backup as it instructs the tape drive to rewind after backup is complete causing a major risk of over writing.

Sometimes it might be handy to exclude certain files. For example, to exclude RSQ files: /excl=*.rsq

A good reference for backup commands and ideas are available in the UM:UCT_MOVE_FILES.COM script which is used by the UCT_BACKUP program. See also the help backup instructions:

$ help backup

To view the contents of a tape to ensure you've successfully stored your project use the following commands (further details in "HowTo: View save set (SAV) contents"):

To just view if the saveset is on tape (but not its contents):

$ mount/ov=id tp0:
$ dir/date tp0:*.*
$ dismount tp0:

Note: you can also save the saveset list in a text file using the /output qualifier.

To view the files within a saveset on tape, and save the results in a file called results.txt:

$ mount/foreign tp0:
$ backup/list=results.txt tp0:*.*
$ dismount tp0:

To delete a set of directories, use the dl command.

$ cd ur BERN
$ del *.*;*   ! Deletes ALL files in a directory
$ dl *.dir;*  ! Will only delete empty directories (not nested directories)

View save set (SAV) contents

To view contents of a saveset (SAV) on disk:

$ backup/list upat_print_list_nomatch.sav/sav

To view the savesets (SAV) on a tape:

$ mount/ov=id tp0:
$ dir/date tp0:*.*
$ dismount tp0:

To view contents of a saveset (SAV) on a tape:

$ mount/foreign tp0:
$ backup/list tp0:*.*  ! OR, backup/list tp0:*.SAV
or
$ backup/list=results.txt tp0:*.*  ! save output in results.txt
$ dismount tp0:

An idea to get the results of the backup/list into a text file: Run the procedure in a submitted script and save the resulting log file with all the output.

Extract a SAV file from tape

To restore a project, you have two choices:

1. Login as user calibration and then go to the projects directory. From there:

$ spb (bypass priv)
$ backup/log tp0:proj_davison.sav/rewind [*...]

This puts all the files back in their original directory structure.

2. As user microct

$ mount/foreign tp0:
 
$ backup/log tp0:proj_davison.sav/rewind/select=[microct.projects.davison...]
     disk2:[microct.projects.davison...]

OR

$ backup/log tp0:*.*/rewind disk3:[microct.projects.vitamink.models]

Make sure to write the same path in the /select as the output (except for the actual disk2 portion). Alternatively, you could unpack it into a slightly different root directory (i.e., TMP) by changing the output path.

The three dots infers to use the same paths in the saveset as the file structure put onto disk.

Transfer a SAV (save set) file of your project from VivaCT to XtremeCT system

You can create a SAV set of your project on the VivaCT and transfer it to the Xtreme system, or vice-versa. First, create the SAV set using the command:

For example:
$ BACKUP/LOG DISK3:[MICROCT.PROJECTS.SB.MYPROJECT...]*.*;* -
     SYS$SCRATCH:MYPROJECT.SAV/SAV

This creates the MYPROJECT.SAV file in the scratch directory. Now zip the file:

$ cd sys$scratch
$ zip "-V" MYPROJECT.ZIP MYPROJECT.SAV  (NOTE: must use quotes and a capital V!!!!)

FTP the .ZIP file to SODOR ( in binary mode!!!), and then FTP it off onto your destination system (Viva or Xtreme). See the appropriate HowTo for FTP instructions. Once you've FTP'd it, unzip the file:

$ unzip MYPROJECT.ZIP

Finally, unpack the contents of the .SAV file:

$ BACKUP/LOG MYPROJECT.SAV/SAV DISK3:[MICROCT.PROJECTS.MYPROJECT] <--- or whatever destination directory

NOTE: transferring a .SAV directly from VMS to VMS should work, but not via any third operating system (like SODOR) - so zipping is always the safe way to make sure it works.

Extract a single file from a SaveSet

In a large SaveSet, sometimes we only want one file extracted, not the whole archive extracted. This can be done with

 $ backup /log /select=myfile.txt mysaveset.sav /sav disk1:[microct.scratch]

or [] as destination will put the file in the current directory.

This can take a while as it looks through all the saveset. Once it logs that the file has been restored, you may interrupt with F6. Else it goes on looking through the rest of the saveset.

Transfer files using zipped archives between Scanco systems

Files must be zipped before transfer by e-mail or ftp because important attributes will be lost in the transfer otherwise.

To transfer files from system A to B, do the following.

On system A:

$ zip "-V" for_calgary.zip uctd:UCT_SAMPLES_TORONTOXT.DAT  ! for each filename
$ zip "-V" for_calgary.zip uctd:UCT_MEASUREMENTS_TORONTOXT.DAT

This will add both files to the same zip file.

Note: "-V" is very important, it must be capital V!

Transfer the file by e-mail, or by ftp.

On system B:

$ unzip -j for_calgary.zip  ! to unzip on your end them (-j to 'junk' the original file path)

Unpack a ZIP file sent by Scanco

In the .zip file, you'll find a .sav file. Unzip the .zip just by saying

$ unzip xxxx.zip

Then:

$ backup/log xxxx.sav/sav disk3:[steve.devel.temp]

and it will unpack everything into disk3:[steve.devel.temp]

Or:

$ backup/list xxxx.sav/sav

and you see what's in the .sav.

Then:

$ backup/log xxx.sav/sav/sel=[andres.uct.ipl_for_cust...] disk3:[steve.devel.cipl...]

and it will create the same diretory tree in steve.devel.cipl as it was when I packed it into the .sav.

Problems with connected USB devices

Sometimes USB configurations can be problematic, in which case log in as "system" on the server and run

 $ dir/date SYS$SYSROOT:[SYSEXE]USB$UCM_DEVICES.DAT

to see whether a file was created recently. If one has, delete that file and reboot the server.

Use a USB drive

Connect USB to VMS system and format.

Transfer files from the terminal after plugging in the USB device

 $ show device dna

Usually the device is dna1 or dna2

 $ mount /over=id dna2
 $ create/dir dna2:[microct]
 $ copy dk0:[[microct]

or

 $ backup/log dk0:[

and then

 $ dismount dna2

Transfer files back again

 $ mount /over=id dna2
 $ dir dna2:[microct]
 $ copy dna2:[microct]myfile.txt disk1:[microct.data.00000702.00001234]

File Transfers To And From Other Systems

Fixing VMS files that have been corrupted when moved to or from a PC

We start by getting good file format/attributes from a good aim/isq/gobj, etc.

 $ ana/rms/fdl/out=correct.fdl good.aim

Then we edit the file correct.fdl, leaving only 5 lines:

 RECORD
       BLOCK_SPAN                        yes
       CARRIAGE_CONTROL                  none
       FORMAT                            fixed
       SIZE                              512

Now we have to set the file attributes of the affected aim (isq, gobi) file:

 $ set file/attr=lrl=514 bad.aim    ! Yes, 514
 $ set file/attr=lrl=514 *.AIM        ! do a bunch at a time

Finally we create a fixed file

 $ convert/fdl=correct.fdl/trunc bad.aim converted.aim

This process discards the superfluous 2 bytes, usually caused by transferring to/from a PC.

Access the shared network volume Data0 (mike)

Data0 is the data volume served by mike.kin . It should be mounted at DNFS1: on the VMS system, though it must be manually re-mounted anytime you restart the computers.

The directory path is DNFS1:[000000], which is stored under the symbol "MIKE". To get a directory listing, you can enter:

dir DNFS1:[000000]
or
dir mike

To change into the mike.kin volume and access subdirectories as you would in PROJECTS or DATA:

cd mike

Subdirectories are a little unusual. For example the dir command shows:

Directory DNFS1:[000000]

$5N$S$POTLIGHT-$V100.DIR;1              $5N$T$RASHES.DIR;1  $5NCOM.APPLE$5NTIMEMACHINE$5NDONOTPRESENT;1
$5NFSEVENTSD.DIR;1  $U$SERS.DIR;1       .$DS_S$TORE;1       ERIC.DIR;1

To access the ERIC.DIR directory, you leave off the .DIR part. For example:

dir DNFS1:[000000.ERIC]

IMPORTANT:

Files transferred by NFS are limited in size to 2GB. (OpenVMS uses a very old NFS standard.) File transfers larger than this will fail silently!

If you copy files onto mike from a non-VMS machine and want to use it again on VMS there are two options:

Copy files from mike to the projects directory and change the file attribute from STREAM to FIXED

$ set file/attr=(rfm:fix,lrl:32356) <filename>.SAV
$ set file/attr=(rfm:fix,lrl:512) <filename>.AIM

Use FTP to transfer files from mike to the projects directory.

Using FTP on VMS system

You need to "SET PASSIVE ON" once you've connected via FTP from the VMS system. See the example below:

 $ ftp mike.ucalgary.ca
 220 136.159.74.26 FTP server (tnftpd 20100324+GSSAPI) ready.
 Connected to mike.ucalgary.ca. 
 Name (mike.ucalgary.ca:xtremect2): skboyd
 331 User skboyd accepted, provide password.
 Password: 
 230 User skboyd logged in.
 
 FTP> set passive on
 Passive is ON.
 FTP> mput D0000109.AIM;1
 227 Entering Passive Mode (136,159,74,26,240,63)
 150 Opening ASCII mode data connection for 'D0000109.AIM.1'.

SC5019 (vivaCT) files to Sodor

$ ftp hal.kin.ucalgary.ca
220 Microsoft FTP Service
Connected to hal.kin.ucalgary.ca. 
Name (hal.kin.ucalgary.ca:microct): hpl-nt\skboyd
331 Password required for hpl-nt\skboyd.
Password: 
230 User hpl-nt\skboyd logged in.
FTP>

Note that you can log in as either:

hpl-nt\skboyd
skboyd@kin.ucalgary.ca

On the HPL network, open the window file program and type: \\hal\FTP Home

Other options for file transfer:

$ sftp   ! haven't tried it much
$ scp    ! doesn't work well with openvms

FTP to douglas and donald (only in KIN network)

There are FTP servers running on douglas and donald for file transfer WITHIN the KIN network only, e.g. percy or your PC. If you are connecting from home, establish a PPTP VPN connection to nt-hpl first to be virtually in the KIN network. Access from scanners at the hospital (VivaCT) is not possible at the moment. Use user guest and correpsonding password for login to either douglas.kin.ucalgary.ca or donald.kin.ucalgary.ca:

$ douglas.kin.ucalgary.ca
220 Welcome to Dougla's FTP Service
Name (douglas.kin.ucalgary.ca:ypauchard): guest
331 Password required for guest.
Password: 
230 Login successful.
Remote system type is UNIX.
Using binary mode to transfer files.
FTP>

Browse the VMS files from a windows PC

Pathworks gives you the ability to mount the Alpha as an external drive on your PC. It would be mounted as an F: or G: drive, then you can navigate using windows explorer.

You can look for the vivaCT in your microsoft windows network neighborhood and see if you can find it...then log in.

OpenVMS Desktop and Graphical Applications

Create a customized button in the session manager

The session manager part to enable the double-click on the AIM file: Session Manager, 'Options', 'Menu', enter new item SAP with command:

@decw$user_defaults:sap$vue

Then move that menu point into 'Applications' menu. Also: 'Options', 'File types', Create 'AIM' file type. Move 'rename', 'copy', 'purge' etc. into menu, Select 'SAP', click on 'Change double click', and also move SAP into menu.

Manage the calendar application

Sometimes the calendar file can be corrupted, which is annoying every time you log onto the system. This can be fixed as follows:

 $ dl disk1:[xtremect2.xdefaults]*calendar*.dat

Confirm that you want to delete the multiple files. Then, you need to recreate those files by logging out and then back in. When you log in again you will be asked if you want to create a new calendar. Select 'yes'. Then:

Choose 'options'

Choose 'general'

Select 'start iconized'

Apply and OK

Also, 'options' and 'save settings'

Log out and back in again to confirm this fix works.

Processes, Jobs and Printing

Monitor system usage

$ monitor/interval=1 processes/topcpu
$ monitor/interval=1 system
$ show error
$ show system
$ @SCOM:SHOW_DISKS.COM (or simply $ DISKS)

The command show error may indicate errors. One or two errors is OK.

To see what processes are running (specific to the machine, not cluster wide).

$ show device disk2/file
$ show user /full

Control processors on multi-processor machines

For example, on the itanium there are two processors. By default, only one takes reconstruction jobs. The other is left for so that evaluations can take place without competing for the CPU.

But if a bottleneck is the reconstruction, it can be switched as user system:

$ set que sceva2_slow/job=2

so that it will do two reconstruction jobs simultaneously.

Determine the MAC address of a VMS workstation

You can check them using the command

 $ mcr lancp sh dev/char

For example, the result on percy.kin.ucalgary.ca gives

 Device Characteristics EIA0:
                 Value  Characteristic
                 -----  --------------
                  1500  Device buffer size
                Normal  Controller mode
              External  Internal loopback mode
     00-02-A5-20-29-99  Hardware LAN address
                        Multicast address list
               CSMA/CD  Communication medium
     FF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF  Current LAN address
                   128  Minimum receive buffers
                   256  Maximum receive buffers
                   Yes  Full duplex enable
                   Yes  Full duplex operational
           TwistedPair  Line media type
                   100  Line speed (mbps)
   Disabled/No Failset  Logical LAN state
                     0  Failover priority

Set up TCPIP printer queue on a VMS workstation

 $ stop/que/res hpljet
 $ tcpip set nohost hpljet
 $ tcpip set host "hpljet" /address= xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
 $ start hpljet

Note that many HP printers will not work with OpenVMS. Checking for compatibility is important.

Understand difference between `mcr` and `run`

The command mcr is the same as run, but only with mcr you can hand over 'in-line' parameters to an .exe file:

$ run ut:ctheader.exe c000124.isq

does not work, but you have to say

$ mcr ut:ctheader.exe c000124.isq

But funnily if you define a symbol in microct_setup_user.com (or login.com),

$ ctheader :== $ut:ctheader.exe

with just neither run nor mcr, but the 'funny' $ sign, then you can also hand over the ISQ name in-line.

Small detail with big effect...

File do all -- apply one command to a whole set of files

$ fda ctheader dk0:[microct.data.0001234...]*.isq

to see the header of all isq files of sample 1234 (the three dots ... means all subdirectories)

Or:

$ fda aix dk0:[microct.data.0001234.00005678]*.aim

to see the processing log of all aim files of scan 5678

Wildcard "*" means multiple characters, "%" is for ONE character:

$ fda aix dk0:[microct.data...]C%%%%%%%.aim

(yes, 7 %'s)

to show the aim header of the gray-scale c0000135.aim (etc) files only, and NOT from the _seg.aims also.

Warning: CAUTION! Always test the wildcard expression first with

$ dir dk0:[xxx...]*.aim

The 'file do all' fda command can even be combined with a pipe, or an /output qualifier:

$ pipe fda aix dk0:[microct...]*.aim | search sys$pipe "Slope"

will show you all "Slopes" in a row. (but you may not see which slope belongs to which aim file anymore...)

or:

$ fda/output=sys$scratch:all_headers.log aix dk0:[microct...]*.aim

will write all the output into the .log file - which you can then either edit, or $ search sys$scratch:all_headers.log "String"

or whatever you want.

Another example with output:

$ pipe fda type *.log | search sys$pipe "BV/TV" /output=BVTV.txt

"fda" is our self-written script, so you may have to try-n-error a bit...

$ fda command file_wildcard [Optional: further parameters]

If the command consists of multiple words with spaces inbetween (e.g. mcr ut:xxx.exe), then enclose the command in double-quotes

$ fda "mcr ut:uct_ext_header_display" dk0:[microct...]*.isq 8

Grab more than one line using pipe and search command:

$ pipe fda aix *.aim | search sys$pipe "dim", "pos", "name"

NB: the further parameters may not contain wildcards - so unfortunately, the fda can NOT be used to 'adaptively' rename a whole bunch of files.

Stop and restart the printer queue

How to fix the printer queue when hung, not working or giving an error. A full printer queue can seriously affect system performance. Be sure that the queue is cleaned up from time to time.

$ show queue

to first find out the real name of your printer queue.

Replace "hpljet" and "...dcps_hpljet..." by your own queue (i.e., PRINTER1 for XtremeCT) name below.
First approach, as normal user microct:

$ stop/queue/reset hpljet
$ start/queue hpljet

If you need to release a job

 $ set entry/release 123

Stop and restart other queues (i.e., sys$slow, sys$fast)

There are three methods. First the nice method.

1. As for the printer queue, a normal user can stop and start other queues.

$ stop/que/reset sceval_slow
$ start sceval_slow

This kills the current process running. If you want to let the current process complete before stopping the queue, use:

$ stop/que/next sceval_slow

2. Use the web browser Mozilla.

Open mozilla
'batch queues'

Resize the window so it occupies the right half of the screen

Click on 'delete job' once with the MIDDLE mouse button, this will open a new window on the right half of the screen. Ensure the two windows do not overlap, if they do resize the window which contains the batch queues list. Once window locations are correct MIDDLE click on the rest of the jobs which you wish to delete (click on 'Delete Job' in the batch queue list). The reason for locating the widows is because each successive click on 'Delete Job' will open a new window and you don't want it to cover the batch queues list.

Then Exit from mozilla, this will delete all the open windows, it may take a bit if you are deleting lots.

2. Now the harsh method.

Warning: Extreme caution! Explicit permission for this change or similar changes must be obtained from Dr. Steven Boyd.

Completely remove the queue and re-generate, as user system

$ stop/queue/reset sc3309_slow
$ delete/queue sc3309_slow

Then you must restart the queue. To learn how to do this refer to:

$ eve sys$startup:dcps_hpljet_ip.com

Show process info

Find the process identification using $ sh que

$ show entry 1131 /full
OR
$ se 1131

See what is currently executing

Find the process identification using $ sh que/all/by_job_status=executing

$ show entry 1131 /full
OR
$ se 1131

Requeue a process

Find the process identification using $ sh que
The process must be pending, not processing!

$ set entry 1131 /requeue=SCEVAL_SLOW

Edit Scanco `SCANCO_SUBMIT_COMMAND` symbol

Check the current setting:

$ show sym *submit*

In directory DISK2:[MICROCT]MICROCT_SETUP_USER.COM add the following line:

$ SCANCO_SUBMIT_COMMAND :== SUBMIT/NOPRINT/QUE=SYS$SLOW /NOTIFY/LOG=SYS$SCRATCH:

Then end session and log in again. Definition of the symbol in the MICRO_SETUP_USER.COM supersedes the standard setting.

Force close of a program such as `uct_evaluation` because it has hung

If a program has hung, it may not be necessary to shut down the system and restart. For example, if the uct_evaluation program is hung, do the following

$ show dev/full microct_scsi

$ stop/id=<Owner process ID> (Replace the <> with the actual ID)

for example: 

$ stop/id=2280091C

EVE Editor

Launch an editor such as EVE

On the command line

 $ edit/display=decwindows/tpu fname.txt

Or to set it up permanently, edit DISK1:[MICROCT]MICROCT_SETUP_USER.COM to include

Configure the EVE editor

The following file, called tpu.dat, should be installed in disk1:[microct.xdefaults]:

#
# DECTPU V3.1 1993-04-22 15:50 defaults
# CHANGED B.KOLLER 21-JUN-90
#
# Copyright (c) 1993 Digital Equipment Corporation.  All rights reserved.
#
#
# The following are all the resource names that DECTPU supports.
#
Tpu.Tpu$MainWindow.Title:		DECTPU Copyright © Digital Equipment Corporation 1992.  All Rights Reserved.
Tpu.Tpu$MainWindow.ApplicationTitle:	DECTPU
Tpu.Tpu$MainWindow.IconName:		DECTPU
Tpu.Tpu$MainWindow.X:			610
Tpu.Tpu$MainWindow.Y:			0
#
# The following resource names are commented out so that users can specify
# *rows and *columns and have DECTPU obey those directives.  If DECTPU finds
# finds no resource names governing the number of rows and columns it should
# have, it uses 24 rows and 80 columns.
#
#
Tpu.Tpu$MainWindow.Columns:	80
Tpu.Tpu$MainWindow.Rows:	56
*EVE_MENU_BAR*background:	#ADADADADADAD
Tpu*XmScrollBar*background:	#ADADADADADAD
Tpu*XmDialogShell*background:	#ADADADADADAD
Tpu*XmMenuShell*background:	#ADADADADADAD
*background:			white
Tpu*condensedFont: OFF
Tpu*fontSetSelection: 0

# 0 = big font
# 1 = little font
# 2 = GS font (German Standard)
# 3 = Fine font (used only for non-latin 1 fonts?)

Use EVE Editor Commands

mark -> ctrl-space
delete -> remove (delete)
insert -> insert here (insert)
learn -> ctrl-k (ctrl-r to stop)

Note: The right 'alt' key on the PC accesses the menu for EVE.

copy	`<PF1><Remove>` on VMS
paste	`<Insert Here>` on VMS or `<ctrl><insert>` on PC
cut	`<Remove>` on VMS or `<delete>` on PC
learn	`<CTRL><K>`
stop	`<CTRL><R>` (then give a key sequence such as `<CTRL><Q>`)
repeat	`<PF1><#><(CTRL-Q)>` (the `CTRL-Q` depends on the given key sequence).
find next	`<PF3>`
enter search string	`<PF1><PF3>`
replace string	`<PF1><S>`
margins	Mouse click bottom of window type: `set right 999`
kill line	`<PF4>`
kill word	- (minus key on number pad)
advance next line	`0` (zero on number pad)
select text	`<CTRL><SPACE>`

Helpfull hint: To avoid having the EVE editor automatically create multiple lines from a long input sequence set the margins [FORMAT - SET MARGINS] to some high number eg. 500.

Use EVE Editor Commands Remotely with XWin32

Default key settings:

NOTE: THERE IS A TABLE HERE THAT IS BROKEN AND BREAKS THE ENTIRE PAGE. IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT, YOU NEED TO EDIT THIS TOPIC AND FIX IT. (PREFERABLY BY CONVERTING FROM AN HTML TABLE TO A WIKI TABLE.)

You may find it useful to define keys. For example, define keys to cut, copy and paste:

   To Cut <CTRL><X>:
   <CTRL><B> (enter command)
   Command:  define key=Ctrl/x cut

   To Copy <CTRL><C>:
   <CTRL><B> (enter command)
   Command:  define key=Ctrl/c copy

   To Paste <CTRL><V>:
   <CTRL><B> (enter command)
   Command:  define key=Ctrl/v paste

Use terminal based editor (EVE)

$ edit file.txt

If you are using this from a remote terminal, you will need to initiate a vt100 terminal.

$ set term /vt100

Some useful commands:

ctrl-z -> exit with save
ctrl-y -> kill without saving
do-key, then type 'quit' or 'exit' (what is the do key on a remote terminal?)
PF2 -> shows special keypad functions
GoldKey -> PF1

Remote Access

Send a terminal to a remote computer

For Mark Blanchard:

 $ set disp/create/transp=tcpip/node=193.72.60.24
 $ create/term/deta

Export the VMS display to SUN or LINUX terminal

# - temple
$ - sceval
# xhost +temple.ucalgary.ca
# ssh -X microct@sceval.ucalgary.ca
$ set display /create /transport=tcpip /node=temple.ucalgary.ca

NOTE: Do not use xhost+. Always specific exactly which computer is being allowed X access.

View the XtremeCT VMS filesystem from a Windows PC

The HP program that allows the VMS file system to be viewed by a PC is called Pathworks (on the VMS system). The following information is needed to connect to the VMS system:

USERNAME: xtremect
PASSWORD: uct
WORKGROUP: microct

Then, in Windows explorer, while connected in the same network as the VMS station (i.e., .130) enter the following IP address for Thomas (SC3309):

\\136.159.130.28\

Alternatively, map the drive.

Right click on my computer and choose map network drive. 

Folder:
\\136.159.130.28\UCT_DATA1
or
\\136.159.130.28\UCT_DATA2

User name: xtremect@microct
Password:  uct

Connect to XtremeCT VMS filesystem on a Mac

In finder, select Go --> Connect to Server

This opens up a window that allows you to enter a server address. Enter the following information:

smb://136.159.130.28

Click connect. If the internet connection is working, you will then be prompted to enter in login info:

USERNAME: xtremect
PASSWORD: uct

Select the volumes you want to mount.

View the VivaCT40/uCT35 VMS filesystem from a Windows PC

The HP program that allows the VMS file system to be viewed by a PC is called Pathworks (on the VMS system). The following information is needed to connect to the VMS system:

USERNAME: vct_40
PASSWORD: uct
WORKGROUP: microct

Then, in Windows explorer, while connected in the same network as the VMS station enter the following IP address for SCEVAL:

\\136.159.74.140\

Alternatively, map the drive.

Right click on my computer and choose map network drive. 

Folder:
\\136.159.74.140\SB_DATA
or
\\136.159.74.140\SB_PROJ
or
\\136.159.74.140\BH_DATA
or
\\136.159.74.140\BH_PROJ


User name: vct_40@microct
Password:  uct

Map a Network Drive to the VMS filesystem from Windows

To do this you must be on the same network as the OpenVMS system. For main campus and the XtremeCT, you will map the drive to Thomas (136.159.130.28), the workstation connected to the scanner.

Right click on My Computer and choose Map Network Drive... 

Folder:  \\136.159.130.28\uct_data1     !FOR THE PROJECTS DISK

         and/or 

         \\136.159.130.28\uct_data2     !FOR THE DATA DISK

User name: microct\xtremect
Password:  uct

Note: You must use the numerical IP address and not the host name (i.e. thomas.kin.ucalgary.ca).

Use Hummingbird Exceed for remote access

Screen definition

Server visual = PseudoColor

Window mode = multiple

Keyboard input

Primary = decemus

Alternate = us

EVE commands

select = "end"

cut = "delete"

paste = "insert"

move forward a word = CTRL + right_arrow

move to start of document = CTRL + up_arrow

move to end of document = CTRL + down_arrow

Use XWin32 for remote access

Run XWin32. Run Putty and connect to sceval.ucalgary.ca. Use the terminal normally to run programs, which should open with XWin32.

Additional terminal windows can be opened with $ dec

If you try to connect from somewhere other than the university, you will probably get the following error when trying to open a window:

  Xlib: connection to "sceval.ucalgary.ca:10.0" refused by server
  Xlib: Can not connect to a host on a restricted network
  X Toolkit Error: Cannot Open Display
  %DWT-F-DWTABORT, xtoolkit fatal error

Type the following at the command prompt to direct the display:

  $ set display/create/transport=tcpip/node=Your_IP_Address/server=0

You can find your IP address from: http://www.ip-adress.com/

If you're running XWin32 from off campus and behind a router, forward ports 6000 - 6010 TCP and 177 UDP to your computer.

Set up Putty with gold-key access

Download putty: http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/

Set 'keyboard' to Vt400, and 'initial state of numeric keyapad' to 'Application', and now the 'NumLock' key is the gold key (like PF1), and the editor can repeat stuff.

Then

$ set term/vt100

to enable the editor in the terminal.

And duplication of a line is:

- (which would be PF4) to erase a line, 
then twice "numlock, then -"  (gold-PF4 is 'restore line')

OpenVMS Administrative Tasks

Check current licenses on VMS system

This can be used to see what educational licenses (and other licenses) are currently on the system:

$ SHOW LICENSE

To apply for an educational license go to http://www.openvmsedu.com

Check status of disks in enclosure

Periodically connect to http://10.148.64.254/ (user name: manage, password same as system password) and check if there are any errors or warnings, like failed disks. You can easily see which disk has failed in the graphical view of "Physical" -> "Enclosure X"

Consider not all web browsers allow connection to this rather old web server. Firefox and Mozilla on the workstations do work fine.

Shut down the Alpha stations and start up again

Warning: Do not do this unless absolutely necessary.

For shutdown

At the login screen, type "shutdown"/no password and hit enter. Then, you can turn the computer off at the prompt.

Then, you may turn the disk array off (unplug it as there is no power switch).

After you move the computer, power on the disk array and then the computer.

Restart the screen server

If the monitor fails to show the login prompt and displays a blank gray screen...telnet to the computer from another computer (e.g. a PC or so) and login as user system. Run the restart command:

$ @sys$startup:decw$startup restart

confirm (answer yes) and logout.

$ logout

This will kill all programs on your screen, but it will leave all batch jobs running, so if you do a BATCH measurement, this will survive! (but interactive scan will be killed)

Fix a computer that is running very slow and is non-responsive!

This is usually caused by people logging in via SSH multiple times. The solution involves resetting the SSH/TCPIP daemon.

If you are local at the computer:

You will need to log in as user system. ONLY EXPERIENCED USERS SHOULD EVER LOG IN AS SYSTEM!

The system will be extremely slow (it will take 5 minutes just to get a log in prompt). This is expected.

$ set host 0   ! user name 'system' and password	
$
$ @sys$startup:tcpip$ssh_shutdown    ! shutdown SSH
$
$ set host 0   ! user name 'system' and password	
$
$ @sys$startup:tcpip$ssh_startup     ! restart SSH

Alternatively, you can reboot the system to reset the SSH. This is not an appropriate solution and it is solving the problem by hitting it with a jack hammer. Sometimes it is the only choice though.

If you are remotely logged in:

You will have to log in as user system and run a script called STOP_START_TCPIP.COM.

This works essentially the same as for the above method, except that since it would be impossible to restart SSH remotely once it is shut down, two separate scripts are called and submitted on SCEVAL_FAST (make sure the queue isn't clogged) separated by a 1 minute delay. The first script called is STOP_TCPIP.COM and the second is START_TCPIP.COM.

To execute this process, you must log in as system, go to the SYS$SCRATCH directory, and interactively execute the script:

$ @STOP_START_TCPIP.COM

Crash of XtremeCT II workstation computer

For a non-responsive monitor and/or a mouse and/or a keyboard of the XtremeCT II workstation (sometimes caused by a lost of connection to server, or an internet outage):

1. The first thing to do is to check system logs for any indication of the cause of the issue, if you have the Administrator privilege.
2. The next thing to do is to soft-reboot by remote-login and using command line to reboot the workstation as shown above.
3. If no success, try hard-reboot by pressing the power button as indicated below.
4. If no success, try hard-reboot by unplugging both power cords as indicated below.
5. If still no success, contact Scanco immediately.
6. The last thing to do is to record the issue and any possible reasons.

1. Checking system logs:

1) Remotely log into the iLO (the management console of the workstation) using SSH as user "Administrator" with the system password.

Both user/pw are case sensitive. For XtremeCT II workstation (James) it is SSH to 10.148.64.231. For others, consult the network diagram.

A trick: This connection only succeeds through a MAC or PC (through putty) direct login, not through a VMS or Scanco system.

  ssh -l Administrator@10.148.64.231

2) Then you get to a MP> prompt here:

  MP> sl        for system logs
  e                    for events
  t                    for text fomat
  a  3                 to filter for warnings and more critical logs only
  l                    (small L) to jump to the last entry

3) From here you can use - and + to go through the log history back and forth. Not all logs do make a lot of sense though, as they are mainly meant for HPE engineers.
4) When finished, use CTRL + b to get back to the main MP> prompt.
5) Use MP> co to get to the console, where you see at what stage the booting process is, in case it does not boot properly.
6) When finished, use CTRL + b to get back to the main MP> prompt.
7) Use MP> x to end the connection.

3. Hard-reboot by power button:

1) Hold the power button until it turns yellow.
2) Wait a minutes or two, then press the power button only once and shortly. You will not see anything for a while. Pressing the power button again during this time will turn off the workstation again !
3) After about 10~15 min, the workstation would boot up properly.

4. Hard-reboot by unplugging both power cords:

1) Hard-reboot by unplugging both the power cords. This will reset the console and controllers.
2) Wait for 5~10 minutes, then press the power button only once and shortly. You will not see anything for a while. Pressing the power button again during this time will turn off the workstation again !
3) After about 10~15 min, the workstation would boot up properly.

Fix non-responsive tape drive

This can occur if the user ejects the tape with the little button (and not with the recommended "dismount" button in the uct_backup program). This can also occur if a tape is mounted immediately after one is dismounted. You get the same error for both cases, "medium offline".

Check all that all cables are connected.

Check that the number on the back of the drive says "5" (use +/- to adjust if necessary)

Check that the top connector has a cable connecting to the computer and the bottom one has a terminator.

Try turning the tape drive on and off again.

Log in as user system (you will need a password from Steve):

$ mcr sysman io auto/sele=mk
$ @sys$startup:scanco_setup_devices.com

$ show device tp0

If it's online again, then great. If not, then the last resort is to reboot the entire system. If this doesn't work, then shut down the system (see user manual for proper steps) and eject the tape. You may need to turn the computer back on before it will eject. The tape drive should be turned on first (no tape), then the server, and any other computers. Check that the drive is online ($ show device mk). If it is, then test the drive by initializing, mounting and dismounting a brand new tape. If the drive is not online, do not insert any tapes or they will likely get stuck. Log in as system and re-try the command lines shown above.

NOTE: See "Fix a stubborn tape drive" elsewhere in this wiki.

Understanding how to set default parameters with OpenVMS

Here is how the files all hang together...

LOGIN.COM is called automatically during login and calls

MICROCT_SETUP.COM, which sets the scanner ID, data device, etc. This file calls

MICROCT_SETUP_COMMON.COM to create general settings. This file is located in DISK0:[MICROCT_COMMON] and calls

MICROCT_FE.COM, if present, to setup the environment for Bert's FE program

MICROCT_SETUP_SITE_SPECIFIC.COM to create local settings for all accounts (e.g. ICALC)

MICROCT_SETUP_COMMON_*.COM, if present, typically to create application-specific settings for all accounts

MICROCT_SETUP_GROUP_*.COM, if present, to create local settings for specific groups (e.g. group 3401)

MICROCT_SETUP_USER.COM to create user-specific settings.

Note that the $UM designation is the MAIN directory, and the location of the binary files. To see a list:

 $ dir DISK0:[MICROCT_COMMON.MAIN]

This is where you'll find IPL_SCANCO_FE.EXE, IPL_SCANCO_M.EXE, etc.

Lots of stuff here:

 Directory DISK0:[MICROCT_COMMON]

 3309.DIR;1          DATABASE.DIR;1      DEMO.DIR;1          EVAL.DIR;1         
 MAIN.DIR;1          TEMPLATES.DIR;1     TIPS.DIR;1          UIL.DIR;1          
 UTIL.DIR;1          WWW.DIR;1

Make commands available to all users with symbols or paths

DCL$PATH is one way to do that, WE don't use it...

$ def dcl$path disk1:[microct.main],disk1:[microct.util]

then, if you type $ uct_t it will first try to

$ @uct_t.com and then $ r uct_t.exe

however, we usually define it by giving full path:

$ progx :== $disk1:[microct.main]progx.exe
$ com_proc_x :== @disk1:[microct.main]procedure.com

then, you can just type the shortcut ('symbol' in VMS language)

We use the 'cd' to set the default path, you may also use this in your command procedure:

proc.com:

$ cd 'p1'
$ dir *.*/size

$ define COM disk1:[microct.commands]
$ p :== @COM:PROC.COM

these both go into login.com, but see the Wiki entry above to confirm exactly where...

then, you can just type:

$ p disk4:[microct.data.0000007.000009]*.ISQ

Edit a symbol set by Scanco such as AIX

Warning: Extreme caution! Explicit permission for this change or similar changes must be obtained from Dr. Steven Boyd.

Log in as user calibration

$ set proc/priv=bypass
$ cdc (changes to MICROCT_COMMAND)
$ sea *.com aix

Edit that file which is called MICROCT_SETUP_COMMON.COM

Another example: To make the backspace/insert keys work properly, edit the login.com and insert the line

$ set terminal/insert

Anywhere suitable.

Change the date and time

To do this, you will need to login as system

Once logged in:

show time
set time=dd-mmm-yyyy:hh:mm:ss

To change the time on all computers at once, add /cluster at the end of the set time line.

Connecting to VMS station with a serial port cable

To do this, you will need to connect from a PC using a PC-to-PC (NULL modem) serial cable, 9600 baud. Install PuTTY and connect with the 'serial' option. You will need to know the COM port that is used by the PC to connect the serial cable. You can do this by checking on the PC the [Hardware][Device] settings.

Typical login is "Admin" and password is usually same as the 'system' password.

Scanco Administration

Introductory Material

OpenVMS Beginner's FAQ

Helpful VMS commands

Files, Disks and Backup

Undelete Files

Mount a CDROM

Use the PROJECT TOOLS

Setting up Email

Backup Tool

Delete Tool

Restore Tool

Known Bugs in Project Tools

Check status of disk array

Check status of OpenVMS system

Extract disk usage information

UCT_BACKUP

Weekly backups with UCT_BACKUP

Manage files with UCT_BACKUP

Use the new UCT_BACKUP software

Move a whole directory structure with BACKUP command

Move a directory on the same device

Fix a stubborn tape drive

Extracting RSQ or ISQ files from a tape

Save Sets (.SAV)

Archive a project onto tape with a SAV file

View save set (SAV) contents

Extract a SAV file from tape

Transfer a SAV (save set) file of your project from VivaCT to XtremeCT system

Extract a single file from a SaveSet

Transfer files using zipped archives between Scanco systems

Unpack a ZIP file sent by Scanco

Problems with connected USB devices

Use a USB drive

File Transfers To And From Other Systems

Fixing VMS files that have been corrupted when moved to or from a PC

Access the shared network volume Data0 (mike)

Using FTP on VMS system

SC5019 (vivaCT) files to Sodor

FTP to douglas and donald (only in KIN network)

Browse the VMS files from a windows PC

OpenVMS Desktop and Graphical Applications

Create a customized button in the session manager

Manage the calendar application

Processes, Jobs and Printing

Monitor system usage

Control processors on multi-processor machines

Determine the MAC address of a VMS workstation

Set up TCPIP printer queue on a VMS workstation

Understand difference between mcr and run

File do all -- apply one command to a whole set of files

Stop and restart the printer queue

Stop and restart other queues (i.e., sys$slow, sys$fast)

Show process info

See what is currently executing

Requeue a process

Edit Scanco SCANCO_SUBMIT_COMMAND symbol

Force close of a program such as uct_evaluation because it has hung

EVE Editor

Launch an editor such as EVE

Configure the EVE editor

Use EVE Editor Commands

Use EVE Editor Commands Remotely with XWin32

Use terminal based editor (EVE)

Remote Access

Send a terminal to a remote computer

Export the VMS display to SUN or LINUX terminal

View the XtremeCT VMS filesystem from a Windows PC

Connect to XtremeCT VMS filesystem on a Mac

View the VivaCT40/uCT35 VMS filesystem from a Windows PC

Map a Network Drive to the VMS filesystem from Windows

Use Hummingbird Exceed for remote access

Use XWin32 for remote access

Set up Putty with gold-key access

OpenVMS Administrative Tasks

Check current licenses on VMS system

Check status of disks in enclosure

Shut down the Alpha stations and start up again

Restart the screen server

Fix a computer that is running very slow and is non-responsive!

Weekly backups with `UCT_BACKUP`

Manage files with `UCT_BACKUP`

Use the new `UCT_BACKUP` software

Understand difference between `mcr` and `run`

Edit Scanco `SCANCO_SUBMIT_COMMAND` symbol

Force close of a program such as `uct_evaluation` because it has hung