Bug #16484
open
External Configuration Locator does not reset pfSense console after restoration
0%
Description
I recently updated 2.7.2 running on video capable hardware to 2.8.1 on hardware offering a single serial port.
The Netgate Installer correctly detects this serial only configuration ("unknown hardware - Please choose the appropriate terminal type for your system.").
At the end of the installation, config.xml from the USB key is restored as is, in this case with the line "<primaryconsole>video</primaryconsole>".
On reboot, the system is not accessible, even after using Option 5 of the pfSense boot menu to switch to serial console.
This line must be replaced by "<enableserial></enableserial>" to have a working console (and answer network assigment questions).
The same goes for the ECL: if the device was booted using a serial console, the console setting should be modified to reflect the actual setting.
As a temporary bypass, the config.xml can be edited before going through the installation.
Updated by Kris Phillips 4 days ago
- Subject changed from External Configuration Locator (and Netgate Installer 1.0) does not reset pfSense console after restoration to External Configuration Locator does not reset pfSense console after restoration
- Status changed from New to Confirmed
- Priority changed from Normal to Low
ECL runs after install when booting, so this has nothing to do with the Netgate Installer, no matter the version. I've removed references from the title for the Netgate Installer.
As for the ECL operation, right now it just validates that the config.xml file is valid and without error, then restores it wholesale to the firewall, if I understand correctly. This behavior hasn't changed in a long time.
It's possible this could have logic added to detect if a device doesn't have a serial console or if the VGA output is present.
Marking as Confirmed and setting appropriate priority level.
Updated by Serge Caron 3 days ago
Hello Kris,
I am not certain that ECL is involved on the first boot: the NetGate installer has copied the configuration file before reboot and I presume the user will remove the USB key before reboot. It is my understanding that ECL has nothing to find and the configuration is already corrupted.
FYI, the target system in this setup is a BoingFire BFN1KB that has no video interface and the source system had one. However, if this was going the other way around, this machine had no serial interface. This was not tested.
Regards,