Unable to install pfSense CE 2.7.2 to mSATA drive

[Anteater4341]

Hello, Netgate/pfSense forums!

History:
I recently purchased a used WatchGuard Firebox M370 (high availability) with the intention of installing pfSense CE and using it in my home network. The device was sold with an installation of pfSense+ (without license).

In my excitement I attempted to update the software via the Web GUI after performing the setup wizard. This is where things turned for the worse. The update failed, the device would no longer boot, the web GUI was no longer accessible via any of the IP addresses I had assigned the LAN, and I didn't have a console cable. After having tried nothing and run out of ideas, I knew in that moment, it was time to pull the lid off and see what was under the hood. I pulled out the mSATA drive and stuck it in my Windows computer. Did not see any logs on the EFI portion of the drive, could not see the var directory, and could not view the main partition. I then threw caution to the wind and decided it was time to perform a fresh pfSense CE install on this drive with my primary computer, then install the mSATA back into the M370.

1/3

[stephenw10]

You should get a console cable. It will be invaluable.

If you have console access you can just reinstall on the m370 directly.

[Anteater4341]

@stephenw10 good morning!

I'm sorry to have botched my first post on the forums. I had a detailed post ready with hardware info, forum links (including the epic M370 thread in the hardware section), and other resources, but it was marked as spam

I have since picked up a USB-A cable to RJ-45 CISCO console cable, and it is recognized as being on COM3. I will give this a more thorough attempt. Thank you for your reply! Big fan!

[Anteater4341]

Hello again.

I am concerned there may be something wrong with the boot media.

I was able to access the M370 BIOS and boot from USB.

After booting from USB, I am unable to get past this screen regardless of the boot options I select.

Thank you for any and all assistance.

🔒 Log in to view

[stephenw10]

What image are you booting exactly?

Try the legacy serial-memstick image.

[Anteater4341]

Good day, @stephenw10

Thought I would put the period on this post.

I used the "pfSense-CE-memstick-2.7.2-RELEASE-amd64.img.gz".

I was able to connect via the serial cable during POST, catch the BIOS and enable USB booting. From there, everything has gone very smoothly. I'm very happy with the hardware and software. I have several Noctua fans, 16 GB of DDR4 ECC RAM and a i7-7700T CPU heading my way after reading this epic forum ballad.

This seems like a really great forum and I am grateful that such a altruistic resource is available, and well moderated, for professionals and home-labbers alike. Thank you all!