Check Point U-10 sitting at "Initializing Please wait..."

[Dshero]

I have a U-10 device that I am trying to reset. After powering it on, the display reads "Initializing Please wait..." and nothing is happening. I am not getting any readings from the console port. I've pressed the reset button but that does nothing. Is it dead? Or does it actually need to be connected to a network for anything to happen?

[PhoneBoy]

My guess is the hard drive is corrupted somehow and needs to be re-imaged or replaced.
However, that appliance is a UTM-1 270, which has been End of Support for several years now.

[Thadiusdog]

I've got the same issue.  I'm trying to grab configs off the Checkpoint.  Why would the console port not dump debug info? Is there any kind of POST or BIOS info that can be accessed?   Drive seems to be good as I've mounted it in another PC.  Just looking for some troubleshooting steps as there just isn't much I've been able to find.

[PhoneBoy]

If the system is functioning properly, messages including POST/BIOS should output to the console port.
The BIOS itself is password-protected, but can be accessed via the console port.

Regardless, this unit has likely had a hardware failure.
Having said that, everything you can recover is on the drive itself, and if you can access that...it's a step in the right direction.
Of course, it depends on whether this is a gateway that was externally managed or was standalone (included local management) as to how recoverable the security policy configuration will be.

[Thadiusdog]

Thanks for the reply PhoneBoy!   Now I've got 2 units that are exhibiting this behavior.  I wonder if it's the same HW failure?  That would be quite a coincidence but a least it would be consistent.  🙂

[PhoneBoy]

I've observed these symptoms on numerous occasions with this hardware.
Not sure the exact nature of the hardware failure.

[Lesley]

Start with hardware diag 

https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk97251

please note for this appliance there is a special download link for this sk 

https://support.checkpoint.com/results/download/27631

[Thadiusdog]

Thanks Lesley!   It looks like something you run from the system you are connected to the console with?    I'll take a look in a few and report back.

[the_rock]

You definitely need console, though seems that some appliances, you can do it from LCD menu in front.

Andy

[Thadiusdog]

Thanks for the thoughts Andy.  Is there anything special about the DB9 to RJ-45 cable?   I've tried numerous ones.  I get nothing out of any of them.

[the_rock]

I personally always use one like below.

Andy

https://www.amazon.ca/OIKWAN-Compatible-Opengear-Aruba%EF%BC%8CJuniper-Switches/dp/B075V1RGQK/ref=sr...

[Lesley]

Blue Cisco serial cable should also work.

follow this sk for correct baud rate

https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk108095

if there is no response on it and config is good and cable machine is just dead

[Thadiusdog]

Thanks for all the replies and help!
To date I could get no serial/console cables to work.  I've tried multiple cables.  Looked up pinouts and ohm'ed out cables to make sure I didn't have my wires crossed but still nothing.    I grabbed a working T-120/4200 and got nothing there as well.  I've pretty much given up.  Never in my life have I had this much trouble trying to get a console port working.   But like PhoneBoy said he has observed this on numerous units and it's related to hardware so they are most likely beyond repair.

[PhoneBoy]

If you need to do data recovery on these devices, the hard drive should be accessible once you are able to open the case.
Years ago, I know I received a UTM-130 (similar vintage) where the internal hard drive was even replaced with a larger one.