pix 515 upgrade problem

[r_lehr]

Sorry about this guys but I'm pretty new at this.

I'm trying to upgrade the os from 5.2 to 6.3 but everytime I attempt to reload my telnet session drops and I can't get back into the pix until it's totally rebooted. Then I'm right back where I started. Can anyone tell me why this is happening and how I can get around this.

I appreciate any help.

[bphan]

Hi,

Not sure what you meant when you stated "...right back where I started".

It is normal that you loose your telnet session while the box is rebooting.

As long as your configuration is saved (by issuing "write mem" command), you should not loose your config after the reboot.

If you have more questions, let us know.

Sincerely,

Binh

[r_lehr]

Sorry about that.

I meant that I can't get back into the firewall until it's totally rebooted. I can't get into monitor mode at all so of course I can't upgrade the os.

Is there some trick to this?

[mhussein]

Hi,

It is not possible to get into "monitor mode" from a telnet session. You have to connect via console directly, so that you can issue ctrl+break during bootup.

If you want to upgrade from a telnet session, use copy tftp flash.

Details here:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/vpndevc/ps2030/products_tech_note09186a0080094a5d.shtml#upgrade511

I hope I understand your question correctly, plz let me know if that helped at all.

Regards,

Mustafa

[r_lehr]

I will need to enter a new validation code so I guess I have to go through the console. I've been trying it but I'm not getting a connection. Actually it says it's connected but I'm not getting anything on the screen.

I'm using hyperterminal. Any special emulation etc I need to use?

Thanks

[mhussein]

In HyperTerminal, doublecheck the correct serial port (COM1 or COM2). Doublecheck 9600/8/1 flow control=none.

The easiest way is upgrading to 6.3 from a telnet session first (copy tftp flash), reboot, then take advantage of activation-key commands (this command is not supported in 6.1 and earlier):

*** write down the existing key for your own records:

pix(config)#show activation-key

*** enter the new activation key:

pix(config)#activation-key

Reference:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/iaabu/pix/pix_sw/v_63/config/upgrade.htm#wp1020586

Regards,

Mustafa

[r_lehr]

Thanks Mustafa. The laptop I was using had com 1 reserved for another program. Grabbed a new laptop and got right in.

I'm going to attempt the upgrade again this weekend so I'll let you know how it goes.

[r_lehr]

Got a little bit behind schedule on the upgrade. Have it finished now. No problems at all. Thanks for all the help Mustafa. I appreciate it.