PfSense 2.1 - Install Stuck at "Trying to mount root from ufs:/dev/ufs/pfsense0"

[Guest]

I have 3 identical UNO-3I270D devices (http://www.lex.com.tw/product/3I270D_b.htm) that I was trying to install pfsense on using the embedded image "pfSense-2.1-RC0-4g-i386-nanobsd_vga-20130721-0948.img.gz". I installed the image on 3 CF cards. 2 of the devices booted up just fine and I was able to configure them. However, the 3rd devices got stuck at "Trying to mount root from ufs:/dev/ufs/pfsense0", and if I am in verbose mode, it shows the line "start_init: trying /sbin/init" after it. Same thing for any of the other modes. It freezes after that, and I can't type anything in. I tried swapping the CF cards from the working devices to the non-working one, and it does the same thing. I also tested the CF card from the non-working unit in one of the working ones and it booted up just fine.

I compared the BIOS setting and the pfSense boot log to one of the working ones, and it matches line by line. There are no error messages. I also tried following the steps in http://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Boot_Troubleshooting but it still did the same thing. I would by grateful for any help, I am at the point where I am pulling my hair out!

Thanks,
John

[kejianshi]

Are there any jumpers or DIP switches on the board anywhere?  If yes, check their positions against the board that works.

If not, a recommendation.  Pull the BIOS battery.  Wait a few minutes.  Replace the battery.

Re-Enter correct BIOS settings.  Try again to boot.

If it doesn't work, check your CF card pins on the board to see if any are bent, missing or broken in some way.  I'd suspect the problem is the board.

[kejianshi]

Also - one more variable to try.  If it still won't boot.  Check the seating of the SO-DIMM memory card.
If it seems fine, swap dim with one of the ones that works.

I'm not sure if a power adapter can be glitchy, but might try swapping those also.

[Guest]

Thanks for the help kejianshi, but none of those worked. I am going to assume the problem is with the board itself (can't write to CF cards?), and try to get it RMA'ed.

Thanks,
John

[kejianshi]

Sounds like you and I agree.  Busted board.  I like your plan.

[Guest]

I got the new board back and it worked just fine, so it was a hardware issue. Thanks for your help!

[kejianshi]

Bad hardware sucks…  Can really have you pulling your hair out.