C887VAG-4G-GA-K9 - boot: cannot determine first executable file name ondevice "flash:"

[WillPickles]

I am having a problem where when I boot the 887 it cycles through the following sequence but does not go any further. 

System Bootstrap, Version 15.4(3r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 2014 by cisco Systems, Inc.

Total memory size = 1024 MB
C887VAG-4G-GA-K9 platform with 1048576 Kbytes of main memory
Main memory is configured to 32 bit mode

Readonly ROMMON initialized
PASSWORD RECOVERY FUNCTIONALITY IS DISABLED
boot: cannot determine first executable file name ondevice "flash:"

System Bootstrap, Version 15.4(3r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 2014 by cisco Systems, Inc.

Total memory size = 1024 MB
C887VAG-4G-GA-K9 platform with 1048576 Kbytes of main memory
Main memory is configured to 32 bit mode

Readonly ROMMON initialized
PASSWORD RECOVERY FUNCTIONALITY IS DISABLED
boot: cannot determine first executable file name ondevice "flash:"

System Bootstrap, Version 15.4(3r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 2014 by cisco Systems, Inc.

If I send the break command it does nothing, just continues to cycle. 

[Leo Laohoo]

boot: cannot determine first executable file name on device "flash:"

This error message means that the router is trying to boot an IOS NOT MEANT for this model (or someone has uploaded the wrong IOS into this router).

It is important that the boot process be interrupted and force the router into ROMmon.

[WillPickles]

Thanks Leo, 

How can I interupt the boot process? I have tried the break command to no avail. 

Is there any other way?

[Leo Laohoo]

I have tried the break command to no avail. 

Try a different machine and review the settings for the console.  If, for instance, Flow Control is enabled bad things happen.

[docarpen]

WilI,

"PASSWORD RECOVERY FUNCTIONALITY IS DISABLED"  means that the, "no service password-recovery" command was run at some point.  This command disables the ROMMON break command sequence. 

So if the no service password-recovery command is enabled and no valid Cisco IOS image is in Flash (looks like yours is corrupt and the flash needs to be reformatted or replaced) then a Flash already containing a valid Cisco IOS image must be installed.  

You can only do this if the flash is removable which I'm not sure if the 887 flash is soldiered in or is removable.

You may need to RMA the unit.

[Leo Laohoo]

"PASSWORD RECOVERY FUNCTIONALITY IS DISABLED"

Mea culpa.  I failed to see this.  

You may need to RMA the unit.

That's one option.  Another option is to read THIS very carefully.