Installation on Watchguard X700

[bk7794]

When trying to boot off of my CF card I get hung up

The only message displayed is:

loading /boot/defaults/loader.conf
/boot/kernal/kernal text=0x121f23a

Im using an 8GB CF card.  I noticed there is a 2 and 4GB version on the download page.  Could this be what is causing my issue?  I installed the 2GB version.

I also cannot seem to get into a command prompt or anything.  Upon bootup I get

1: PFSense
2: PF Sense

F6: PXE

Any help would be appreciated

EDIT:  Just tried the 4G version and flashed it to a CF card via windiskimager, before I was using Rufus.  I was finally able to prompt me to a command line.  There I followed some instructions on inputting

"set hint.ata.0.mode=PIO4
boot"

still no go.

[bk7794]

Would the Watchguard forum be on any help?

[uknownme123]

Oh I see you double threaded. This is where your question is.

I had one of these a long time ago. The standard OEM size was 128MB and 265MB CF card. You changed to 8GB  I think you need to go into bios setting to set your CF card to a bigger size, otherwise it will not read correctly. I think the size limit was 4GB. So 8GB would not work. My memory isn't so good, again, check out:

https://forum.pfsense.org/index.php?topic=7458.0

[bk7794]

I double threaded?  I was curious as to why nobody was responding.  I see this forum is pretty active.

I thought the 700 didn't have a size limitation.  Though I Could be wrong.  I'd like to get this thing out of my room and actually working so I'll be bumping this thread a bit more.

Please let me know any ideas you may have.  I'll take a look at the bios though

[stephenw10]

That box has a pretty ancient CPU if I recall and limited ram upgrade options. It may not be worth the effort to be honest.

However it looks like the loader values are killing whatever console you're using.

I assume you're using the serial console? What exact image are you using? Is it still getting stuck at that same point?

Steve

[bk7794]

That's upsetting.  I've got an 8 Gig CF Card.  I ran both the 4 and 2 GB version of the i386 embedded NanoBSD Serial installer.

I was beginning to think about just virtualizing pfsense.  I've already got a box I am going to be running as a storage server.  I've got multiple renditions of MS Server I want to play with.

What're the thoughts on that?  Would I have better luck than the Firebox?

[stephenw10]

Ah sorry I misread the model in the title here. The X-Core boxes are pretty ancient though.

Nothing special should be required to boot that other than using the correct image and possible a smaller card.

Running as a VM will almost certainly be far more powerful than the X700.

Steve