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Cisco PIX 501 stuck in reboot cycle

A Reload command was sent to our Cisco PIX 501 6.3(4) and it is now stuck in an endless reboot cycle. The loop block is pasted below:

CISCO SYSTEMS PIX-501
Embedded BIOS Version 4.3.200 07/31/01 15:58:22.08
Compiled by morlee
16 MB RAM

PCI Device Table.
Bus Dev Func VendID DevID Class Irq
00 00 00 1022 3000 Host Bridge
00 11 00 8086 1209 Ethernet 9
00 12 00 8086 1209 Ethernet 10

Cisco Secure PIX Firewall BIOS (4.2) #6: Mon Aug 27 15:09:54 PDT 2001
Platform PIX-501
Flash=E28F640J3 @ 0x3000000

Use BREAK or ESC to interrupt flash boot.
Use SPACE to begin flash boot immediately.
Flash boot interrupted.
0: i8255X @ PCI(bus:0 dev:17 irq:9 )
1: i8255X @ PCI(bus:0 dev:18 irq:10)

Using 1: i82557 @ PCI(bus:0 dev:18 irq:10), MAC: 0012.43b6.3133
Use ? for help.
monitor>

This is as far as it gets, over and over. How can we reload/reinstall the IOS with the unit in this state? Is there another way to fix this that does not involve reloading the IOS? We have the current version of the software. This is time sensitive as it has taken our entire network (and office) down and no one here is well versed in IOS; step by step instructions would be much appreciated!

calvinetter

The 501 is sensitive with the power cord - it'll often reboot itself if you twist the power cord where it plugs into the back of the PIX. Also, if there's a power spike or possibly a brownout, it can cause it to get stuck in a reboot cycle. Most likely the power cord got moved/twisted. Try slightly twisting the plug where it connects to the PIX, even just a few millimeters either right or left, & see if it stabilizes. If you can't get it to stabilize, you could try getting a new power adaptor. There's known problems/defects with some older power adaptors.

cheers

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JoyIdd

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JoyIdd

Alright, I noticed that you actually do interrupt the flash boot. If its rebooting after entering the monitor mode, then I really don't know what you should do, except for following calvinetters advice.