  Switching AlphaBIOS (ARC) to SRM firmware? 
 The Question is:
 
I'm trying to install VMS 6.1 over an NT 4 Alpha box (yes I know it's an old
version). I don't know how to make NT recognise the OpenVMS CD so that I can
install the OS. The doco says to do stuff at the console prompt, I don't
know how to get there to fol
low the instructions!
 
 The Answer is:
 
  Which Alpha system?  Specific Alpha systems do not support the OpenVMS
  operating system, and specific Alpha systems (those that do support
  OpenVMS) have differing requirements for switching the firmware from
  AlphaBIOS or ARC over to the SRM console required by OpenVMS, and also
  have differing requirements for getting to the command prompt.
 
  To switch between the AlphaBIOS or ARC and the SRM console firmware:
 
    ftp://ftp.digital.com/pub/DEC/Alpha/firmware/utilities/mkboot.txt
    ftp://ftp.digital.com/pub/DEC/Alpha/firmware/utilities/mkbootarc.txt
    ftp://ftp.digital.com/pub/DEC/Alpha/firmware/utilities/mkntboot.txt
 
  The above documents are particularly useful when working with a
  "half-flash" system such as the AlphaStation 255, and switching between
  the Windows NT (ARC or AlphaBIOS) and the OpenVMS or UNIX (SRM) operating
  system firmware environments.
 
  Depending on what type of Alpha system, the AlphaBIOS "update AlphaBIOS"
  command is the mechanism used to upgrade the firmware, and to switch over
  to the SRM firmware.  At the APU prompt, select "update srm" or "update
  arc" to select the SRM or AlphaBIOS firmware, respectively.  After the
  update -- make sure you use the latest appropriate firmware -- you must
  power-cycle the system to load the new firmware and then select OpenVMS
  as the operating system with the SRM command "set os_type vms".
 
  It is also typically quite easy to acquire the firmware via the CD-ROM
  distribution kit, and use the CD-ROM to switch firmware.
 
  Additional information on acquiring Alpha firmware is available in the
  OpenVMS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.
 
