On Thu, 2 Jan 1997, A. Sporner wrote:

> Hello,
> 
> I finally pulled the MVIII back out of mothballs from the summer.  After
> fixing a few issues I had then.  I am content that I have a reasonable system.
> I have two issues that might be very simple to ask.  I am familiar with
> System/V very well, though I am weak on Berkeley.  
> 
> First, somehow /etc/spwd.db has gotten trashed and I get some messages on
> the console about invalid format.  How can I build this?  Second (maybe 
> related).  I cannot set the password for root because it claims the user
> id does not exist, (even though I see it in /etc/passwd).
> 
	Can you run 'vipw' - under NetBSD the 'real' password file is in
	/etc/master.passwd, which is also held in db form as /etc/spwd.db
	for performance reasons. If you can run vipw it should 'Do the
	Right Thing' in rebuilding /etc/spwd.db from /etc/master.passwd

> Finally,  I have my console set of 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.  When I
> come into multi-user mode I have to toggle it to 7 bits, even parity and
> then back again when the password prompt (no doubt when /bin/login takes 
> over the line).  I think I know this answer lies in the /etc/gettydefs file.
> I guess I just need some confirmation on this.
> 
	Change the 'default:' entry in /etc/gettytab from ':ap:' to
	':np:'.

> One last one... I will be getting an Exabyte 8500 and a off-brand SCSI 
> controller (though there is a ROM with a DEC license code on it).  Is it
> true that most Q-BUS controllers will work with NetBSD? (presuming that
> they understand MSCP)  I will also be moving from my current RDQX controller
> with a RD53 Boot to the SCSI controller with a pair of Seagate ST4767 drives
> (600 Meg each) and a Wren IV for good measure.
> 
	AFAIK any controller that looks like standard MSCP _should_ work.
	You may find NetBSD more picky than VMS with certain controllers,
	so if you can test before you buy thats generally a good idea :)

> Thanks very much.  I look forward to be able to contribute more when this
> becomes operational.  I have slated (if not doned already) to work on compiling
> X11R6 libraries so that I can connect to my Vaxstation (running VMS) and use
> some of the cool TK stuff I have on my other machines.


	Good luck!