VPN3005 BootCode 4.0 update failure : "flash erase failed"

[rnolden]

i become allways an BootCode 4.0 update failure "flash erase failed" !!!

this is the second box (3005)with this behavior.

vpn: Admin ->

1) Concentrator

2) Clients

3) Bootloader

4) Back

vpn: Admin -> 3

WARNING:-- Before beginning the bootloader upgrade, be aware of the following:

o You must first download the latest bootloader from the Cisco website to

your local disk and upload it to the device.

o Before the upgrade, all network interfaces to the device are automatically

shut down and restored afterwards. Because of this, you may want to warn

users of the pending disconnect.

o During the upgrade, reboots are automatically disallowed.

o Do not power off the device during the bootloader upgrade process.

Powering off the device will render it unusable.

Do you really want to upgrade the bootloader? (Y/N) [N] Y

Network interfaces are down ...

64 06/14/2005 07:56:26.860 SEV=3 IP/2 RPT=11

IP Interface 1 status changed to Link Down.

List of Files

-------------

CONFIG BOOT-IMG

Name of the file for bootloader upgrade? BOOT-IMG

Bootloader upgrade in process.

This should take about 30 seconds.

DO NOT POWER DOWN THE SYSTEM DURING THIS PROCEDURE!

Bootloader update failure - The flash erase failed

FATAL ERROR: Reboot will render the device unusable.

Retry the bootloader update.

DO NOT REBOOT until the update succeeds.

Network interfaces are restored ...

65 06/14/2005 07:56:32.680 SEV=3 IP/1 RPT=12

IP Interface 1 status changed to Link Up.

System Status

-------------

VPN Concentrator Type: 3005

Serial Number: CAM09200421

Bootcode Rev:

Cisco Systems, Inc./VPN 3000 Concentrator Series Version 2.5.Rel Jun 21 2000 18:57:52

Software Rev:

Cisco Systems, Inc./VPN 3000 Concentrator Version 4.7.Rel Mar 10 2005 14:58:16

Up For 0:03:01

Up Since 06/20/2005 02:22:21

RAM Size: 64 MB (Memory Status: Green)

Fan | Temperature

Fan 1 Fan 2 | CPU Cage

---------------------------------------

6027 RPM 5973 RPM 36C/96F 40C/104F

!

CCO recommends to send in this box to Cisco ! but the new box from my reseller has the same problem / behavior !!!

any idea ?

[didyap]

Here is a document which explains the procedure for Updating the VPN Concentrator Boot Code to Version 4.x.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/vpndevc/ps2284/prod_installation_guide09186a00801fb690.html#wp1016861

[dennis]

You might check to see it the flash needs to be reformted. There is a propblem with the flash on some of the 3005's. See http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/hw/vpndevc/ps2284/products_field_notice09186a00801fb6bc.shtml for details on the problem and solution.

[Shawn Lebbon]

I did the same thing, TAC support said they've had like 20 people complain about this. He said "there is no reason to update the boot code on a 3005 model. It is only needed on the 3015 and higher models to support RAM chips larger than 256MB." TAC support said DO NOT UPDATE the boot code on the 3005.

I suggested that they make note of this SOMEWHERE in their documentation. He provided me with some hidden low-level commands to erase the boot code, but as he said the 3005 doesn't need v4 of the boot code, and the boot code hasn't been tested for it, it's possible it would just break the concentrator. He then added the only way to 'fix' a damaged boot code is to replace the entire unit. He suggested we not touch it anymore, and leave the boot code running as-shipped.

[angeldustine]

I am having the same problem. Can you please tell me what was the solution in your case?

[Shawn Lebbon]

As it said in the comment above: My solution was to NOT continue trying to update the firmware. TAC said that on a 3005, there is NO NEED to update the firmware. My 'solution' to the boot code update failure was to do 'NOTHING', and just use the system.

[ajuma]

Just to confirm, rebooting after you get that message is safe. I attempted the upgrade many times before accepting defeat. Just a heads up to anyone who is in the same situation.