Restore 1.2.3 Config to 2.1 fails "The Configuration Could Not Be Restored"

phil.davis

These are the standard ways to get back in: https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/I_locked_myself_out_of_the_WebGUI,_help!

DLeVasseur

These are the standard ways to get back in: https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/I_locked_myself_out_of_the_WebGUI,_help!

Thanks for the help so far. None of those suggestions worked, so on a whim I used option 2 on the PFsense box directly to change the IP address of the LAN adapter, I think I read somewhere this resets the web settings. I changed it to a different IP than was previously on the box and I was able to get in. But if I change the LAN IP to what was originally on the box, I am locked out again.

Somewhere there's something preventing web access when it is running on that original IP address.

phil.davis

Maybe there is another device on the LAN that is also using that original LAN IP? Try accessing the original LAN IP when pfSense is not using it, and maybe you will still get a response?
Or did you use the bottom address in the LAN subnet? (like 192.168.1.0/24) I have done that to myself in the past while quickly going through the initial wizard and not thinking. (Note: In 2.1.1 the validation has been enhanced to catch that sort of thing)
Otherwise, I am struggling to think what would be special about a particular LAN IP, unless you have a particular rule that blocks it.

DLeVasseur

No, this is a standalone box with nothing by my laptop connected.

So here's what I did that managed to get it working. I changed the address from .1.1 to .44.1, this allowed me into the webconfigurator on port 80. I then created a security certificate and changed the webconfigurator over to https and port 443. I then changed the address back to the original .1.1 and was able to get in using the original address.

Not sure why but the box just will not accept a port 80 connection if it's IP is the .1.1 443 connection is fine.

I ran a port scanner and the port is open. Anyway, 443 should be what is used anyway, so I think all is fine now.

lfph

Hi everyone,
i guess i'm on the right section of the forum as me too cannot use my xml file from 1.2.x to 2.1 and i get "The Configuration Could Not Be Restored", not really familiar with xml so i just put it as an attachment if someone has the time to look at it.
Thanks for the help,
S.

pfsense_xml.txt

DLeVasseur

I'm not sure if it is the cause, but I noticed at the bottom of your XML there is a bunch of package information. I believe the Wiki states to export the 1.2.3 configuration without package data. Package data cannot be imported.

lfph

thanks,
i have 2 backups 1 with package and 1 without, none are working; here is the one without (i think)

pfsense_xml1.txt

DLeVasseur

The steps outlined by Phil earlier in the post worked out beautifully to find the error. It's really simple, just copy, paste (change the file name), run.

lfph

i'm sure it does but i don't understand it :-(

DLeVasseur

The file even fails basic XML validation. What options are you using when you export it?

lfph

diagnostics - backup

DLeVasseur

You might want to start a new thread. Did you maybe open the file in another program before trying the import? They should have come out with .xml extensions not the .txt files you have posted. The export is a mess there's back slashes after every line and incorrect data in the header.

lfph

Thank you,
i will do that! (i have the .xml but just posted .txt).
S.