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    [Solved] Alix 2D2 - Install on Hard Drive won't boot

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Problems Installing or Upgrading pfSense Software
    12 Posts 3 Posters 9.3k Views
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    • N
      nsteinmetz
      last edited by

      Pfsense 1.2.3 - I install on my dell laptop with the LiveCD, choosing the installer mode.

      When I install pfsense on the Hard Drive from the dell, the installation process is complete (aka, I go up to the reboot step). Then I unplug the disk from the Dell to put it in my Alix board and go on with the Serial connection.

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      • D
        Delex
        last edited by

        What happens if you let the installer CD run completely and then choose option 99 to install to hard disk. I seem to remember running into similar problems on a net5501. After choosing the install option booting failed. Installing via menu option 99 worked like a charm.

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        • N
          nsteinmetz
          last edited by

          I'll try this way tonight, thanks for the tip.

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          • N
            nsteinmetz
            last edited by

            Delex, you"re my hero  8)

            It just works as expected. Thanks so much, I now need to bring back the CF card I just bought in case I failed to install on the hard drive.

            Edit: in fact, it works with another (old) Toshiba HD. Still fails with my (new) Hitachi 5K500. Let's try with another (new) Hitachi 5K500 I also have.

            Edit2 : Ok I found the reason: I do not know why but my dell laptop does not see the correct number of cylinders. So I think it makes the HD messy but my alix board find the correct number. Will try with my macbook which is more recent.

            Edit3 : No luck with my macbook. Same thing. Will contact my vendor to see how I can do it. Maybe I'll use the CF Card by the end.

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            • D
              Delex
              last edited by

              ;D Your welcome!

              Do you still have a workstation with IDE interface? I use an ide 2.5" > 3.5" (cost $10) whenever installing hard drives for pfsense devices. Maybe this will get you better results then with the notebooks.

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              • N
                nsteinmetz
                last edited by

                HD is a SATA one. With the alix board, I have a converter ; see http://store.calexium.com/cartes-alix-pc-engines/36-kit-disque-dur-sata-pour-alix.html.

                I no longer have old workstation anyway or maybe should I go to my parents for this ;)

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                • N
                  nsteinmetz
                  last edited by

                  I give up. I'll use Pfsense on my CF and add the Hard Drive after just to store files for HAVP/Squid.

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                  • N
                    nsteinmetz
                    last edited by

                    In fact, I found the right way :

                    • On my laptop, install pfsense 1.2.3 to the HD from the live-CD via the 99 option : Choose custom install, accept all defaults, except for swap I reduced to 1024M and select "Embedded kernerl".
                    • After the reboot, still on the laptop with the liveCD running, open the Shell (menu 8 ), mount /dev/ad0s1a and edit the "boot/loader.conf" file to add
                    hw.ata.ata_dma="0"
                    
                    • Save file, unmount the disk
                    • Put your HD to the Alix board
                    • Check that "LBA", "HD Wait" are active in your BIOS
                    • Boot and enjoy :)
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                    • N
                      nsteinmetz
                      last edited by

                      Just did the same with my Hitachi 250 Go Hard drive and it works well  8)

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                      • D
                        Delex
                        last edited by

                        Nice!

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