> > A manual reset shows >>> but only the halt and boot commands seem
> > to work.  Everything else comes up with an ILL CMD error msg.
> 
> The VAXstation 3100 series supports a console password.

Ahh, yes, that is the culprit, I have found.

By manually stepping through all the letters of the alphabet, I found
that the prom only accepts b, c, h, and l (bingo!).

> If the command:
> 
> 	>>> SHOW PSE
> 
> comes back with 
> 
> ?23 ILL CMD
> 
> then the console password has been set.

L calls for the password and returns the error if anything odd is returned.

> I forget exactly where I've scribbled down the procedure for clearing this.
> Basically power off, short two pads for a few seconds and you're done.
> Obviously it matters which pads. I did explain this a few years ago on
> comp.sys.dec or comp.os.vms so maybe deja will help.
> 
> If not, and if it really is the password, let me know and I'll go pull the
> cover off a M76 and find the pins.

Please do, Antonio.  I am sure there are others that are going to be in
the same predicament.

I opened up the case and scanned around the motherboard, but only found
two jumpers at the clock chips.  Those would not likely be the reset
points.

So, if you can relay that info to the list, I will personally make sure
it gets into some kind of faq or web page, even if I have to post it myself.

I did find on a search for your name, a lot of Italian music things, and
one VAX 4000 post about the pads next to the TOY chip.  Is that what I
should be looking for on the VS3100 M76?
 
> Antonio
> 
> Antonio Carlini
> Riverstone Networks

Many Thanks!

Bob