VMware 3.0 && bigadv folding

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (rambler358)

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:05:46 GMT

Okay, just got -bigadv up and running, and setup to view in FahMon. FahMon is reporting that "SMP Gromacs CVS, P2681" is worth 25403 points. Is this correct and does it seem like everything's setup correctly?

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (Punchy)

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:22:18 GMT

Yes, version 3.0.1 only supports 4 cores. Look a few posts up and there is a link to version 3.0.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (rambler358)

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:19:06 GMT

I just downloaded and installed the new VMware Player v3.0.1 build-227600, and when I attempt to run the player on my Core i7 setup, I get the following message:

This virtual machine is configured to run with 8 CPUs, but VMware Player only supports up to 4 CPUs. The virtual machine cannot be powered on.

Any ideas on what my issue might be here? I'm running BIOS 44 if that makes a difference.
EDIT: Um... nevermind I think. I just saw LR's guide and it looks like I need v3 for 8 core support. Anyone have a link for this version?
EDIT #2: Dang it! The link is there in LR's first post.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (linuxrouter)

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:54:42 GMT

I added a link to a new guide with screenshots to the original post here which I hope may help new users setup bigadv with minimal effort. Let me know if this would be an improvement and feel free to offer any suggestions.

Guide

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (linuxrouter)

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:14:08 GMT

The guide has some extra things that can be ignored by most people. Once the virtual machine is loaded, it should be a matter of going to the web interface, selecting the options you want, clicking reboot on submit, and then clicking Submit to start folding.

I can look into making some kind of new guide with screenshots but I have not had much free time recently. It may be a bit before I can put something together.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (BriSleep)

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:11:08 GMT

There's too much stuff here for one person who isn't into advanced computing to just jump into and follow. The original post is more than a year old and too many people who are already advanced folders come in and ask advanced questions. I've been trying to do VMware folding for about 3 months now, I've jumped a long way in the stats but only because I did it my way and ran many basic clients until my system was almost locked up. Can't anyone write a guide for a beginner and tell how to start the VMware, start the client, set it up to run on it's own and retrieve the info it needs? Is it just impossible because there are too many variations? I'm frustrated but at the same time look how much folding I've done in a short time with a stupidly simple approach.
I even posted to ask for help and 2 people just jabbed at me and it took the third to stick with me and work things out. There has to be an easier guide with #1 being, go into your bios, under ""settings"" enable virtualization technology.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (TheCrazyCanuck)

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:51:34 GMT

Using Windows with that many logical cores is ...... illogical really especially if you don't use their server grade OS. If users are dead set on using Windows in cases like these they could try using a hypervisor to fire up Linux and Windows.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (xfinrodx)

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:29:50 GMT

Just ran into the 8 CPU issue. Thanks for the link! Going to be a lot of disappointed Windows folders soon when the 6-core/12-thread i7's become available!

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (donmarkoni)

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:58:21 GMT

leexgx

need an link for 3.0 VMware player as well as i think 3.0.1 has removed 8 CPU support

I already posted it here: http://foldingforum.org/viewtopic.php?p=132468#p132468

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (linuxrouter)

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:24:31 GMT

fonze98

I have been runninig the dev image for about a week and a half now and yes the backups automtaticaly just work I know this becuase I think I might have a stick of ram failing as my system seems to be crashing almost every night after I go to bed but by the time I wake up it has restarted and is folding back where it left off. I will try and figure out my stability issues this weekend. just know that this dev image (not sure on current release) is set to use 4800mb of ram for use with bigadv -8 folding if you are folding with bigadv -7 you only need around 3600mb unless using ramdisk I did loose one WU on this when I shut it down to adjust the RAM allocation once I realized it was set at 4800 probly my own fualt.

Thanks for the feedback. In the event that the restore fails and you lose the work unit, the system does keep a maximum history of five backups. You can run this command to try an older backup:

fahcontrol restore 0

0 is the newest and 4 is the oldest. Each time a new backup is done, the oldest one is removed and the others shifted down one.

I set the higher memory value with the newer images so that both 7 and 8 core folders are covered. I read a few posts here and there where people lost work units because of trying -smp 8 with 3600 MB which is what the image was set to before. I was hoping this default increase would help minimize failures.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (linuxrouter)

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:18:50 GMT

leexgx

it does restore from the 1hr backup and then star from where it left off folding ?

need an link for 3.0 VMware player as well as i think 3.0.1 has removed 8 CPU support

Yes, it restores from the most recent backup when it boots up. The system also makes one more backup before shutdown or reboot.

The original VMware link still gives me the option to download 3.0. There is also a version history option on the bottom to select which one you want.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (Full Metal Folder)

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:15:31 GMT

linuxrouter

Full Metal Folder

Hello LR

I have a long wait period between bigadv finish and restart.

There was something posted about it, a few threads back and you mention the use of ram disk.

I know you are very busy, if you ever get some time, can you explain how to do it,or make some kind of guide.

Thanks

Hello

This is what I normally use for the web config with the Ramdisk:

Ramdisk Config

This is what my latest beta image. You will want some kind of backup for the Ramdisk. The backup feature in this image adds a bit of overhead once per hour because the data is compressed to a file. The other option would be to run the backup scripts made by TheCrazyCanuck which copies the data to the Windows host OS and keeps a history of 24-hours.

http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=130442

You will also want to allocate enough memory including at least 500MB per SMP thread and another 500-750MB or so for the Ramdisk.

On a side note, I decided to try out SCSI instead of IDE support in VMware Player. I am not sure if this will help with write performance or not but it might be worth trying out. The update I made just recently to the image is set to use SCSI.

Thanks a lot for this info LR i'll give it a try.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (fonze98)

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:57:43 GMT

I have been runninig the dev image for about a week and a half now and yes the backups automtaticaly just work I know this becuase I think I might have a stick of ram failing as my system seems to be crashing almost every night after I go to bed but by the time I wake up it has restarted and is folding back where it left off. I will try and figure out my stability issues this weekend. just know that this dev image (not sure on current release) is set to use 4800mb of ram for use with bigadv -8 folding if you are folding with bigadv -7 you only need around 3600mb unless using ramdisk I did loose one WU on this when I shut it down to adjust the RAM allocation once I realized it was set at 4800 probly my own fualt.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (leexgx)

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:57:23 GMT

i happily test this image for the backup as i am used to been able to stop notfred at any time and know it would restore when i started it back up, all i need to know is what i need to do to enable it (web config is preferable but was not very complete last time i checked, Needs links to all the pages on each page you goto)

it does restore from the 1hr backup and then star from where it left off folding ?

need an link for 3.0 VMware player as well as i think 3.0.1 has removed 8 CPU support

Links on vmware web site currently do not work unless you got the direct link to the exe download it self

(this site is not very opera friendly, need to report that to opera)

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (kougar)

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:33:12 GMT

linuxrouter
That would be the one. I do not have that much runtime yet with this image but so far it has been running well for me.

Ah, well I don't mind playing guinea pig with new builds, especially ones that remove the largest headaches I had with Bigadv folding!

Wish I knew what was wrong with this board, craziest thing.... I'll have to visually inspect it once I can yank it out. Last time I ever ignore my own advice and buy a open box motherboard.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (linuxrouter)

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:00:18 GMT

Full Metal Folder

Hello LN

I have a long wait period between bigadv finish and restart.

There was something posted about it, a few threads back and you mention the use of ram disk.

I know you are very busy, if you ever get some time, can you explain how to do it,or make some kind of guide.

Thanks

Hello

This is what I normally use for the web config with the Ramdisk:

Ramdisk Config

This is what my latest beta image. You will want some kind of backup for the Ramdisk. The backup feature in this image adds a bit of overhead once per hour because the data is compressed to a file. The other option would be to run the backup scripts made by TheCrazyCanuck which copies the data to the Windows host OS and keeps a history of 24-hours.

http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=130442

You will also want to allocate enough memory including at least 500MB per SMP thread and another 500-750MB or so for the Ramdisk.

On a side note, I decided to try out SCSI instead of IDE support in VMware Player. I am not sure if this will help with write performance or not but it might be worth trying out. The update I made just recently to the image is set to use SCSI.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (linuxrouter)

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:52:36 GMT

kougar

So just to be sure, the Linux FAH Image - Dev is your beta image with this functionality? If so I will gladly update to it once I receive my new motherboard, this board has something seriously wrong with it so I've stopped Bigdv folding for the interim.

That would be the one. I do not have that much runtime yet with this image but so far it has been running well for me.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (Full Metal Folder)

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:04:58 GMT

Hello LR

I have a long wait period between bigadv finish and restart.

There was something posted about it, a few threads back and you mention the use of ram disk.

I know you are very busy, if you ever get some time, can you explain how to do it,or make some kind of guide.

Thanks

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (kougar)

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:23:20 GMT

linuxrouter
My latest beta image has an option that is similar except it does an hourly backup and the system restores from the latest one on bootup. This option keeps a history of 5 backups.

So just to be sure, the Linux FAH Image - Dev is your beta image with this functionality? If so I will gladly update to it once I receive my new motherboard, this board has something seriously wrong with it so I've stopped Bigdv folding for the interim.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (folder)

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:16:06 GMT

I use smp 7 but set memory to 6GB (just cos I can. lol)
It doesn't have a problem doing the WU, it's just gone pear shaped trying to run from a back up once and between units twice.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (linuxrouter)

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:19:08 GMT

folder

Has anyone else had 1.1 crash between WUs? (or even crash having loaded a back up file?)
It finished my last WU last night and uploaded it then at sometime before it started the new one it crashed/froze. I couldn't get the text to scroll to see what had happened and ended up having to reboot. This is the third time this version has thrown a wobbly on me. None of the earlier versions had a problem.

I don't have a clue what went wrong and as it was 5am I noticed just before I went to work I only really had time to do a reboot and see if it would run.

I have not had any system crashes with 1.1 on my system. Have you checked memory usage to see if the system ran low? I have seen VMware freeze up when the OS begins swapping data to disk due to low memory. v1.1 is set to use 4600MB by default whereas previous versions were set to 3600MB. I made this change to cover those users who want to fold -bigadv with -smp 8.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (folder)

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:23:11 GMT

Has anyone else had 1.1 crash between WUs? (or even crash having loaded a back up file?)
It finished my last WU last night and uploaded it then at sometime before it started the new one it crashed/froze. I couldn't get the text to scroll to see what had happened and ended up having to reboot. This is the third time this version has thrown a wobbly on me. None of the earlier versions had a problem.

I don't have a clue what went wrong and as it was 5am I noticed just before I went to work I only really had time to do a reboot and see if it would run.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (linuxrouter)

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:49:52 GMT

With 1.1, there is an option in the web interface called enable restore on boot. That option does a backup on shutdown and restore on boot. If you uncheck that, then on next boot the system will not do a restore. The exception is if you have a Ramdisk enabled. Then the backup / restore on shutdown / startup is always turned on. My latest beta image has an option that is similar except it does an hourly backup and the system restores from the latest one on bootup. This option keeps a history of 5 backups.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (kougar)

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:06:43 GMT

I'm using only the FAH 1.1v image, and not using any of the advanced backup scripts as those were too complicated.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (linuxrouter)

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:29:32 GMT

kougar

Hi Linuxrouter, is there a command to temporarily disable the backup process without losing the last backup? Or will the HTML interface work for this?

Several times I've had system lockups (Bad GPU apparently, switched back to the old one), and when I restart VMware it says the Folding@home process is already running and to reboot to begin folding again and skip the warning. I'd like to reboot and skip the warning and see if it recovers, and only use the backup as a last resort. It wnt from 50% to 4% when it restored the last backup!

Hello

Which version of the image are you using and which backup are you using?

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (kougar)

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:20:46 GMT

Hi Linuxrouter, is there a command to temporarily disable the backup process without losing the last backup? Or will the HTML interface work for this?

Several times I've had system lockups (Bad GPU apparently, switched back to the old one), and when I restart VMware it says the Folding@home process is already running and to reboot to begin folding again and skip the warning. I'd like to reboot and skip the warning and see if it recovers, and only use the backup as a last resort. It wnt from 50% to 4% when it restored the last backup!

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (folder)

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:34:27 GMT

Can anyone tell me what's causing the following?

CIFS VFS unexpected lookup error -112

It's occuring after writing the backup file.

I'm wondering if it's related to a problem I had the other day when trying to run a back up. I can't remember the wording but I got an error (fatal one I think) from every backup file I tried to use and ended up losing the WU.

Edited to add-

Sorted it. I had to unplug my lan cable the other day to hook it up to my old pc, when I plugged it back in I put it in the wrong connection (50/50 chance and I got it wrong lol)

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (linuxrouter)

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:54:29 GMT

dave851

Ok linuxrouter, I'm haveing a problem with CazyCanuks scripes and we can not figure it out so he sent me to you, I tryed to pm you but never got a response. I have all the files he wants me to have in the right folders and when i try to use the command ./start_folding.sh i get the error below

I just sent a response to your PM.

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (dave851)

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:19:30 GMT

Ok linuxrouter, I'm haveing a problem with CazyCanuks scripes and we can not figure it out so he sent me to you, I tryed to pm you but never got a response. I have all the files he wants me to have in the right folders and when i try to use the command ./start_folding.sh i get the error below

Re:VMWare 3.0 && bigadv folding (Image available for testing) (theGryphon)

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:34:12 GMT

^ Thanks man! I think I'll stick to using your scripts. I'm not using the auto-run mode; I feel more like in control with the manual mode...