On Thu, 22 Mar 2007 08:50:27 -0400
Chris Ross <cross+netbsd@distal.com> wrote:

> On Mar 22, 2007, at 8:25 AM, Greg Troxel wrote:
> > Two things to check:
> >
> >   are bootblocks configured to boot with asking?   If you attach to
> >   the console port first, does it boot ok?
>    Yup.  Sorry, I should've mentioned that.  If I connect to the
> serial port before powering the machine on, it boots up just fine,
> without waiting for anything.
> 
> >   Presumably the cisco server is DTE and has a null modem cable, or
> >   it's wired as DCE.  Does it assert DTR (or DSR if it's DCE)?  Does
> >   it keep the TXD line in break?   Does the machine boot if you
> >   disconnect the cable?
> 
>    This I should check.  Thanks.  I'll try disconnecting the cable
> and see if that works, it is possible the cisco is indicating a
> *lack* of connection.  :-)
> 
I realize you're not getting that far, but you should also put

	ddb.fromconsole=0

into /etc/sysctl.conf to prevent spurious breaks (i.e., when you
disconnect the serial console or when that machine goes down) from
putting you into ddb.



		--Steve Bellovin, http://www.cs.columbia.edu/~smb