> * Now, the trouble starts... booting as a single user and and typing
>   
>     mount -t ffs /dev/wd0a /                (This is OK. Root is now r/w)
>     mount -t ffs /dev/wd0e /usr
>   
>   gives the error:
>   
>     ffs: /dev/wd0e on /usr : Operation not supported by device
>     
>   The disc passed fsck OK.

What happens if you hit control-D at this point?

Do you get the same as the following:
> * Booting into multi-user mode produces the same error so unsurprising
>   none of the daemons can be found, including getty, which is where it
>   all grinds to a halt. Sending a kernel panic seems to be the only way
>   to stop the search for getty, but this just causes a kernel deadlock,
>   requiring a reboot.


  Patrick