Attempting update from 2.4.4_3 to 21.02 hangs at "Please wait while the update system initializes"
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@pzanga
I just stumbled into the same situation, and what does one do first? Read the forum
I had a 2.4.4_3 on my spare APU, so it is a CE 2.5.0 I'm after. But I also had to upgrade 1st to 2.4.5_1 (previous stable branch) as direct to 2.5 didn't work (stays in the screen "please wait while the update system initializes" as you described)
So I changed the Branch, and hit the confirm button. After the system got to 2.4.5_1, had to change the Branch again so it could detect the 2.5 (sounds logic), and upgraded again to latest.The good news is that (at least for me) this has worked out fine, it has become a 2-step upgrade but it managed to update to 2.5.0 (ymmv)
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@bennyc
Thanks for the input. I figured there had to be someone out there in a similar situation. I was going to go ahead and attempt the 2.4.4_3 --> 2.4.5_1 --> 21.02 path anyway today, but seeing it worked for you gave me some confidence.
I was able to get to 2.4.5_1. I changed the branch and 21.02 showed as available update, including the diamond light on the box flashing. Clicked confirm to start the upgrade, got past the "please wait..." message, and the update failed right after package 42/185 downloaded
Final line of the error message wasChild process pid=54998 terminated abnormally: Segmentation faultTime to check logs and search the forums again.
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@pzanga Might it not be easier to make sure you've a backup of your config and then just do a fresh install of 21.02p1, not an upgrade, particularly the multiple-step process you're describing?
I've found a reinstall to be an easier and quicker process than a major upgrade on the SG-1100. Your system can't have much free resources with the various packages you've installed as it's pretty limited on RAM.
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@bigsy
That may be the way I go, although I am on 2.4.5 now, so only 1 step left. I may try to upgrade via console first and see how that goes, then do a fresh install if that fails.
As for the packages, the only one on that list we are using is Snort. Not sure why the first 2 are on that list, since we don't use any VPN at this time (I didn't do the initial config), and we aren't using Suricata. I'll likely delete those, and just add pfblockerng-devel (to replace the pfblockerng that was there).Thanks
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@pzanga I had the same issue as you - update would hang going from 2.4.4_x to 21.02. I first upgraded to 2.4.5_x and then I was able to successfully upgrade to 21.02.
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@pzanga I just encountered the same problem dusting off an old SG-2220 that I hadn't used in nearly two years (due to divorce). After doing the factory reset I couldn't get any packages and I speculated it was due to not being able to do a successful update. I had already done this but came here to post this as the solution and here it was.. the solution was right here for me all along.
Just wanted to drop the note here this is a very valid path and that it is still relevant.
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Thanks for the insight with this problem. I thought it was me.
Does anyone from Netgate/PFsense follow these forums? I see a lot of good problem solving for something that should not be a problem. If 21.02 is released and 2.4.5 is listed as Deprecated, then the implied assumption is the programmers want you to go from what ever you are on to the latest version. With the absence of some explicit instructions stating you have to be at 2.4.5 to get to 21.02 we, the users, assume we can go from 2.4.3 or 2.4.4 etc. to 21.02. I would think Netgate/PFsense would want to know this issue and make the upgrade process steps more transparent.
My thoughts
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@itinfo This isn't a programmer thing as much as it is a business decision. I am an engineer that does a lot of software development in recent years and upgrading from a version to a version is always a big discussion topic. The simplest answer is always to do all upgrades in the path. So if you are ten versions behind you'll need to upgrade ten times. The complexity in skipping a version is possible but expensive.
A good question to ask is, why are the release channels in the UI limited to previous, present and next? I think that kinda makes sense to me just to keep the UI manageable.
So the only remaining question is why the software doesn't identify this issue and inform the user they are in this situation and insteuct the user for a common solution to it? I think I know why. How many users ever find themselves so far behind in updates? Still, this took some effort to sort out. It did for me at least.
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Well stated, and as you noted, the 'line' for an upgrade is not readily available, not obvious, and as noted, not encouraged (Deprecated). I agree that the path 'SHOULD' be A to B to C, etc. however that journey should not be one of Braille, but rather of intent with the proper instructions and resources readily available. I am a software developer and as a rule I try my best to prevent an 'Easter Egg Hunt' whether it be with using my software or upgrading, Et. Al.
Thus, as noted, I am curious as to why Netgate/PFsense is not on this thread to glean some insight into a very well navigated problem solving labyrinth. I think they could incorporate some of the good advice and intent into their processes with little effort.
My thoughts
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I think it's a matter of what the lone should be. It appears the lone is present date Previous/Current/Next rather than system installed Previous/Current/Next. Having stated it like this, it is easier to implement.
I have to deal with these sorts of logical issues daily so it is easier for me to rationalize.
Why Netgate isn't on this thread. Who says they aren't? There may already be an issue on the backlog already for this. A growing (or growth minded) company will actively asses these communities. A stagnant or company in sustain their business will only look at the big issues. A company in decline will completely ignore it.
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Also please don't forget that skipping multiple versions is always a "bigger" problem/endeavour as just upgrading to the next version. Re-Installing with config-recovery in most cases is the far better alternative then simply updating and updating again. As the Plus devices got ZFS as filesystem relatively late in the game with 21.05, I'd always recommend to everyone that has the ability to be on site with the device to just take the latest stable version (21.05.2 or 22.01 if you're adventurous) and do a fresh install with config-recovery. That is available on the console prior to selecting a new install with either UFS/ZFS. Just let it find & recover the current config (or save it yourself) and do a new install with ZFS of the current CE/Plus release of your choice and afterwards watch it boot up the first time with your configuration intact and your interface setup already in place.
Had no problem with that with variuos customers that "skipped a few" updates "because the system was OK and just ran..."
you know the kind 
