1.0: Installing AIX PS/2 Dos Merge

1.0.1: Planning for Dos Merge

This section is intentionally placed just prior to the AIX PS/2 installation procedure because it may save you some frustration. Before you install DOS Merge you need to decide whether or not to create a physical DOS partition on the fixed disk for the DOS Merge system. For more information on this subject please refer to:Chapter 7 Installing and De-Installing AIX PS/2 DOS Merge DOS Merge User's and Administrator's Guide SC23-2045

If you do not plan on using DOS or DOS Merge then you can skip this section.

1.0.2: Planning for your AIX PS/2 Installation

Just prior to installation you need to observe certain requirements, like partitions. If your fixed disk is already partitioned and formatted with an operating system other than DOS as the first partition, you must back up the files (if you will need them later) and "low level format" the fixed disk.

If your fixed disk is already partitioned and formatted with an operating system other than DOS as the first partition, you must back up the files on the partition(assuming you need them), and then do a "low- level format" of the fixed disk before reassigning the first partition to DOS.

If you need to "low level format" your fixed disk then follow the procedure below:

1. Place the REFERENCE DISKETTE in drive A

2. Hit enter at first display for IBM logo

3. At main menu hold the ctrl key down and press the (A) key

4. You will see the 'Advanced Diagnostic Menu', select option 2 to 'low level format' your fixed disk

The amount of time it will take to low level format your fixed disk will vary depending on the size of the fixed disk and whether or not it is a SCSI drive. SCSI drives will format in about 20 minutes or so, even for a 400meg drive. A 120 meg ESDI fixed disk will low level format in about 4 hours. A 300 meg fixed disk will low level format in about 8 hours. So, plan on a overnight low level format if you have 300 meg ESDI drive.

If you have two fixed disks and you want to use DOS and or DOS Merge with a DOS partition then make sure your primary DOS partition is on DISK #1.

1.0.3: DOS Partitions

When your fixed disk is ready to be partitioned:

Using DOS 3.3, invoke the FDISK command to create a primary DOS partition.

1.0.4: Installing DOS Merge from the Network

Note: This next step is done after you have installed the Base Operating System, TCP/IP and NFS on your workstation.

Follow the procedure for downloading the LPP's found in this guide and install DOS Merge.

When messsage 'AIX PS/2 DOS Merge" is now installed next run /service to update the Merge LPP.
After Merge has been updated, make sure you are logged on as root and enter:
/usr/lib/merge/dosinstall
The system responds with: Please insert your DOS 3.3 Disk into Drive A.
The system will copy the DOS files and issue the following message:
DOS installation is complete.
Remove the DOS disk now.