Re: Problem putting PIX OS 6.0.1&16Meg ISA Flash Card on a PIX-520

["R. Corona" <goniners () home com>]

Hello Chris,

Thanks so much for your help...

From: "Christopher J. Wargaski" <cjw () rmsbus com>
To: <firewall-wizards () nfr com>
Cc: <goniners () home com>
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2001 11:02 AM
Subject: Re: [fw-wiz] Problem putting PIX OS 6.0.1&16Meg ISA Flash Card on a PIX-520


> Hey Ross--
>
>          I performed an upgrade like this a couple of months ago. From what
> you write, you are trying to boot from the floppy directly after you 
> install the
> 16 MB flash card in the PIX. Have you tried booting from the image that is
> on the flash memory? (Typically there is one on the flash.)


Chris I tried just inserting the 16 Meg ISA card and booting the PIX.  I was able to hear the BIOS beep codes as usual, 
but was unable to get any console at all.  I know my Hyperterm settings are correct as I'm able to get in just fine 
with the 2 Meg ISA card in the PIX.  I thought there should be a PIX OS on the card, or at least I read it came with 
one.  But when I wasn't able to get any console up at all, I figured I must be wrong.


>          I searched Cisco's web site for the 'Obsolete FLASH card', and found
> hits, however the link provides a bin file, not an HTML file. :-(
>
>
> > The machine just continuously boots, then reboots, scrolling this
> > message every time.  I then inserted the old 2 Meg ISA flash card with
> > 5.1.2 OS on it and it works just fine.
>
>          Did you put the 16 MB flash card in the same slot that the 2 MB card
> was in? The PIX expects flash to be at a certain address.


Yes I put the 16 Meg card in the exact same ISA Slot. I also re-inserted the card, and checked to make sure it was 
seated properly.


> > Unfortunately this card appears to have sat
> > in the stockroom at the place of purchase for at least 90 days, being
> > that Cisco will not speak with me, even though I just received the card.
>
>          Do you have Smart Net support for your PIX? If not, you might be
> out of luck with Cisco support.


Nope I'm using this for a study tool for the Cisco Security specialization, so no SmartNet for me.  :-(


>          You might want to call the organization that sold you the card and
> tell them it is bad and you want a replacement.


Yes at first I thought maybe I was doing something wrong.  But now I'm thinking I may have gotten a faulty card.


>          The upgrade is very straight forward. Pull out the 2MB card, insert
> into the same slot the 16 MB card. You then load the new OS version and
> you will have to get a new license for your multiple NICs (and possibly VPN
> if you are going to use it). The serial number of the PIX changes when you
> put in the new flash card.

I've got a 520 UR with 4 interfaces installed.

Ok I have a previously licensed copy of PIX OS 5.1.2.  Will I be able to use this old Key for 6.0.1.  I was under the 
impression that I would be able to input the Key off of my old 5.1.2 PIX OS to use as an activation code to do the same 
thing for 6.0.1.  For the VPN I thought I saw where you could email them and request a new DES key.

If I'm not able to use the old key's can I request a new one from Cisco or will I need SmartNet, or some other high 
priced account/contract?

>                                                  cjw
>
>
>
>
> Christopher J. Wargaski
> RMS Information Technology Integrators
> cjw () rmsbus com
> (847) 215-1661 x223



Chris, sorry for so many questions.

Thanks a lot for your help,

Ross