Problem:

On machines based on ppc64 platform (IBM blades for example), if AIX was used before, the installation of Asianux Server 3 will fail with the followingerror message:

RAMDISK: ran out of compressed data
invalid compressed format (err=1)
No filesystem could mount root, tried:  ext2 iso9660
Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(1,0)

Reason:

This happens because of AIX change the configuration saved in NVRAM and Yaboot shipped with Asianux Server 3 does not handle this correctly. This is fixed by clearing the NVRAM prior to installation.

Solution:

Clear NVRAM and reboot.

Workaround for Blades:

Clear NVRAM and reboot:
Select "Power Off Blade" from the MM Blade Tasks menu.

   1. Power on the blade (with an SOL session open).
   2. Immediately after menu options appear, select option 8: "Open Firmware Prompt".
   3. Type the following at the open firmware prompt 0>:

          * dev nvram (response should be "ok")

          * wipe-nvram (system will reboot)

Workaround for System p:

Clear NVRAM and reboot:
Power Off the partition/machines

   1. Power on the partition/machine (with an terminal session open).
   2. Immediately after menu options appear, select option 8: "Open Firmware Prompt".
   3. Type the following at the open firmware prompt 0>:

          * dev nvram (response should be "ok")

          * wipe-nvram (system will reboot)

Additional information:

The workaround will clear the saved data that identifies this blade as previously being installed with AIX. When the fixes are available, it will not be necessary to clear NVRAM.
By clearing NVRAM you lose the current Date and Time information of the system.
This makes root`s password to expire after setting up current Date and Time information on first reboot. You will have to provide a new password on the next reboot.