the post keys, if pressed after the keyboard post indicator displays and before the last (speaker) post indicator displays, cause the system to start services or to initiate service mode boots used for configuring the system and diagnosing problems. the keys are described below:

    the program function keys (f1-f12) on a keyboard attached to the hmc or usb card are not used and will be ignored. after the keyboard post indicator displays, you must use the numeric number keys to enter input.

    1 key

    the numeric 1 key, when pressed during post, starts the system management services (sms) interface.

    5 key

    the numeric 5 key, when pressed during post, initiates a system boot in service mode using the default service mode boot list.

    6 key

    the numeric 6 key works like the numeric 5 key, except that the firmware uses the customized service mode bootlist.

    8 key

    this option is used by service personnel. to enter the open firmware command line, press the numeric 8 key after the word keyboard displays and before the last word speaker displays during startup. after you press the 8 key, the remaining post indicators display until initialization completes.

    when initialization and post are complete, the open firmware command line (an ok prompt) displays.

    this option should only be used by service personnel to obtain additional debug information.

    to exit from the open firmware command prompt, type reset-all or power off the system and reboot.