Switch (2950) console access help 1

[gatling2011]

Hello all,

I am currently studying for my ccna, and have acquired a 2950 switch upon which to practice. I also have a cisco router that I can access and configure just fine, but am having problems accessing the switch via the console.

It appears to boot fine and the output prior to being asked if i would like to enter initial configuration dialog is fine, but when prompted for this I cannot type "yes" as I would like (or anything), and the following is always output aftetr this:

--- System Configuration Dialog ---

Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]:
00:00:14: %SPANTREE-5-EXTENDED_SYSID: Extended SysId enabled for type vlan
00:00:17: %SYS-5-RESTART: System restarted --
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) C2950 Software (C2950-I6Q4L2-M), Version 12.1(11)EA1, RELEASE SOFTWARE
(fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-2002 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 28-Aug-02 10:25 by antonino

At this point I can do nothing but turn the switch off...

Can anybody point me in the right direction? Getting a little frustrated

Thanks in advance.

 

[vipergg]

When you get to that point try maybe changing the terminal emulator speeds to something else in increments of 9600 and see if it will respond . If you can get a break function to work while first booting up and get it into rommon mode you could make sure the config register is correct by entering the command "confreg 0x2102 then reset the switch.

 

[gatling2011]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Incrementing the terminal emulator speeds didnt work. I can however interrupt the boot process but still cannot type any commands. It is now stuck at:

The system has been interrupted prior to initializing the
flash filesystem. The following commands will initialize
the flash filesystem, and finish loading the operating
system software:

flash_init
load_helper
boot

switch:

and I can still do nothing but power the switch off...

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[pmoorey]

Use a decent terminal emulator such as terraterm, hyperterminal is not good!

Hope this helps...

Regards,

Peter
CCNA, Cisco Qualified Specialist

 

[gatling2011]

Tried Putty and Terraterm aswell and have the same problem...

Tried 2 different PCs, 2 different console cables and can successfully connect to my other cisco kit with all of the above.

 

[burtsbees]

Looks like you have to reinitialize the flash...from this output
00:00:14: %SPANTREE-5-EXTENDED_SYSID: Extended SysId enabled for type vlan
00:00:17: %SYS-5-RESTART: System restarted --
Something is goofed up.
Unplug it, hold in the Mode button (front, bottom left), plug the power back in, Release the Mode button after approximately 5 seconds when the Status (STAT) LED goes out. When you release the Mode button, the SYST LED blinks amber.
Then you will see the flash_init, load_helper, and boot...
Type flash_init, and enter. Then issue the load_helper command. Then do dir flash:
You will see the config file (probably config.txt), so do this...type rename flash:config.txt flash:config.old
Then type boot
It reloads, and hopefully it will load all the way up. Answer no to the question, and press return a few times. Then do this...
switch>en
switch#copy flash:config.text system:running-config
switch#erase start

Hopefully this works...

Burt

 

[burtsbees]

Also, make sure that the terminal emulator is set for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control. You can also try Xon/Xoff for flow control...
All of this can be accomplished in Hyperterminal by selecting "restore defaults".

Burt

 

[gatling2011]

I've tried entering rommon, but the problem is I can't type anything at all, it just doesnt accept any keyboard input. I've tried the different connection options (none and xon/off) and tried incrementing the baud rate.

As I mentioned above, I get the correct output, such as:

The system has been interrupted prior to initializing the
flash filesystem. The following commands will initialize
the flash filesystem, and finish loading the operating
system software:

flash_init
load_helper
boot

switch:

but cannot type anything at this prompt.

I've tried different PCs, different cables, and same result each time.

I think it's a problem with the switch, but does it seem strange to anyone else that I can't even type into the terminal emulator?

 

[gatling2011]

Also, I can access my router (4500M running 12.0) fine using the same kit and terminal emulators, just not the switch..

 

[vipergg]

Well if you can type into a router with the same emulator and get keyboard response then I would agree with you its the switch . I have seen this myself on a 6500 Sup 720 and we had to RMA the supervisor . The only other thing to try is a different laptop . How are hooked into it , do have the traditional serial port or are you using a USB to db9 adaptor to use the console .

 

[gatling2011]

I've tried different laptop, same problem...

I am using a RJ-45 to DB-9 rollover to connect, and have also tried a different one of these.

 

[burtsbees]

Have you tried holding in the mode button to get into ROMMON, instead of initiating the break sequence?
Post the entire bootup output, including decompression of the image file.

Burt

 

[burtsbees]

Also, the " Extended SysId enabled for type vlan" error only has to deal with flash:vlan.dat, so don't worry about that. That error will vanish as soon as you can delete that file, but you must of course get to where you can type...very strange problem...
Maybe plug the switch into a router, and after a while, see if the router can do a sh cdp neighbors detail, and try telnetting...

Burt

 

[gatling2011]

Have tried both holding the mode button and using the break function. I will try connecting it to a router and see how that goes.

Here is the entire output from the boot sequence:


C2950 Boot Loader (C2950-HBOOT-M) Version 12.1(11r)EA1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Compiled Mon 22-Jul-02 17:18 by antonino
WS-C2950-24 starting...
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:0a:f4:af:18:00
Xmodem file system is available.
Initializing Flash...
flashfs[0]: 16 files, 2 directories
flashfs[0]: 0 orphaned files, 0 orphaned directories
flashfs[0]: Total bytes: 7741440
flashfs[0]: Bytes used: 3960320
flashfs[0]: Bytes availabl
flashfs[0]: flashfs fsck took 6 seconds.
...done initializing flash.
Boot Sector Filesystem (bs installed, fsid: 3
Parameter Block Filesystem (pb installed, fsid: 4
Loading "flash:/c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-11.EA1.bin"...##############################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
###########

File "flash:/c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-11.EA1.bin" uncompressed and installed, entry p
oint: 0x80010000
executing...

Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted
Rights clause at FAR sec. 52.227-19 and subparagraph
(c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer
Software clause at DFARS sec. 252.227-7013.

cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West T
San Jose, California 95134-1706o Systems
no



Cisco Internetwork Operating System Softwareno ip mroute-cacheg-02 10:25 by anton
IOS (tm) C2950 Software (C2950-I6Q4L2-M), Version 12.1(11)EA1, RELEASE SOFTWARE

C2950 Boo
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with
(fc1)Z.E (
Copyright (c) 1986-2002 by cisco Systems, Inc.
thankfuck(config)#li
Compiled Wed 28-Aug-02 10:25 by antonino
Image text-base: 0x80010000, data-base: 0x80528000
WS-C2950-24 st


Initializing flashfs...
thankfuck(config
flashfs[1]: 16 files, 2 directories
Router
flashfs[1]: 0 orphaned files, 0 orphaned directories Configured from console by consolesystem is availab
flashfs[1]: Total bytes: 7741440
flashfs[1]: Bytes used: 3960320
Routery#config t
flashfs[1]: Bytes availab
cisco WS-C2950-24 (RC32300) processor (revision G0) with 20402K bytes of memory.l for packets11.EA1.bin"...##############################

Processor board ID FOC0637Z2Z0
Running Standard Image
24 FastEthernet/IEEE 802.3 interface(s)

32K bytes of flash-simulated non-volatile configuration memory.
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:0A:F4:AF:18:00
Motherboard assembly number: 73-5781-11
Power supply part number: 34-0965-01
Motherboard serial number: FOC063800AL
Power supply serial number: PHI06340CDV
Model revision number: G0
Motherboard revision number: A0
Model number: WS-C2950-24
System serial number: FOC0637Z2Z0

--- System Configuration Dialog ---

Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]:
00:00:14: %SPANTREE-5-EXTENDED_SYSID: Extended SysId enabled for type vlan
00:00:17: %SYS-5-RESTART: System restarted --
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) C2950 Software (C2950-I6Q4L2-M), Version 12.1(11)EA1, RELEASE SOFTWARE
(fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-2002 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 28-Aug-02 10:25 by antonino

 

[burtsbees]

Nice hostname for that...lol.
I would take the top cover off, blow it out, and make sure the fan is working, and the power supply is not getting super hot. Was this from Ebay?

Burt

 

[gatling2011]

Hmm.. Please ignore the above post, it is garbled with output from a previous session for some reason.

The correct output from boot:



C2950 Boot Loader (C2950-HBOOT-M) Version 12.1(11r)EA1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Compiled Mon 22-Jul-02 17:18 by antonino
WS-C2950-24 starting...
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:0a:f4:af:18:00
Xmodem file system is available.
Initializing Flash...
flashfs[0]: 16 files, 2 directories
flashfs[0]: 0 orphaned files, 0 orphaned directories
flashfs[0]: Total bytes: 7741440
flashfs[0]: Bytes used: 3960320
flashfs[0]: Bytes available: 3781120
flashfs[0]: flashfs fsck took 6 seconds.
...done initializing flash.
Boot Sector Filesystem (bs installed, fsid: 3
Parameter Block Filesystem (pb installed, fsid: 4
Loading "flash:/c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-11.EA1.bin"...##############################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
###########

File "flash:/c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-11.EA1.bin" uncompressed and installed, entry
oint: 0x80010000
executing...

Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted
Rights clause at FAR sec. 52.227-19 and subparagraph
(c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer
Software clause at DFARS sec. 252.227-7013.

cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, California 95134-1706



Cisco Internetwork Operat
IOS (tm) C2950 Software (C2950-I6Q4L2-M), Version 12.1(11)EA1, RELEASE SOFTWARE
(fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-2002 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 28-Aug-02 10:25 by antonino
Image text-base: 0x80010000, data-base: 0x80528000


Initializing flashfs...POST: Ethernet Controller Test : Passed
ASIC Initialization Passed

POST: FRONT-END LOOPBACK TEST : Passed
cisco WS-C2950-24 (RC32300) processor (revision G0) with 20402K bytes of memory.

Processor board ID FOC0637Z2Z0
Last reset from system-reset
Running Standard Image
24 FastEthernet/IEEE 802.3 interface(s)

32K bytes of flash-simulated non-volatile configuration memory.
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:0A:F4:AF:18:00
Motherboard assembly number: 73-5781-11
Power supply part number: 34-0965-01
Motherboard serial number: FOC063800AL
Power supply serial number: PHI06340CDV
Model revision number: G0
Motherboard revision number: A0
Model number: WS-C2950-24
System serial number: FOC0637Z2Z0

--- System Configuration Dialog ---

Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]:
00:00:14: %SPANTREE-5-EXTENDED_SYSID: Extended SysId enabled for type vlan
00:00:17: %SYS-5-RESTART: System restarted --
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) C2950 Software (C2950-I6Q4L2-M), Version 12.1(11)EA1, RELEASE SOFTWARE
(fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-2002 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 28-Aug-02 10:25 by antonino

 

[gatling2011]

No not from ebay, that is the hostname of the router I'm using which is a friends. I just used hyperterminal as it is easier to copy text from and it mangled it up!

 

[gatling2011]

I actually had a small problem when first trying to access the switch, when it would output nothing if the rj-45 was being forced downwards by a twisted cable. I just presumed the pins were not touching because of this, but maybe the connectors inside the console port are damaged... specifically the pin that receives data.

 

[burtsbees]

Can't say...
Worth taking the cover off and looking, though...
I know Hyperterminal does that too---one reason why I hate it!
I use Tera Term myself, and PuTTy for ssh remotely.

Burt

 

[vipergg]

Take a flashlight and look inside the console port and see if all the pins look like they are in the right position . If not you might be able to get them in the right position if you make a small 90 degree bend in the end of a paper clip and pull the pins into the correct slot . Of course do this with the unit powered off . If not then its time to get it replaced unless you just want to use it as a unmanaged switch.