weirdturnedpro
asked on
Where's the reset button?
My company recently purchased a small fax server (MultiTech FaxFinder FF420). One of my overzealous techs was in a hurry to get it set up and during configuration used KeyPassX to generate a secure password to get into the administration console.
Long story short, he forgot to save the database file in KeyPassX before shutting down - and he hasn't committed the password to memory. He does however remember the settings he used to generate the password; alpha (lowercase), numeric & 8 characters long.
After taking the server down and looking over it closely - there is no reset button; I opened it up, there was a jumper that was connected to one pin of a 2 pin slot. Thinking this might be similar to the jbat1 jumper on a motherboard I connected it and left it for a few minutes. When I came back and removed the jumper and reconnected the server - the password was not reset to the factory default. I called the company's tech support (didn't answer) and e-mailed them (no response). I have to get it back up and running soon, and I know how helpful this community can be.
Thanks in advance!
Long story short, he forgot to save the database file in KeyPassX before shutting down - and he hasn't committed the password to memory. He does however remember the settings he used to generate the password; alpha (lowercase), numeric & 8 characters long.
After taking the server down and looking over it closely - there is no reset button; I opened it up, there was a jumper that was connected to one pin of a 2 pin slot. Thinking this might be similar to the jbat1 jumper on a motherboard I connected it and left it for a few minutes. When I came back and removed the jumper and reconnected the server - the password was not reset to the factory default. I called the company's tech support (didn't answer) and e-mailed them (no response). I have to get it back up and running soon, and I know how helpful this community can be.
Thanks in advance!
scrathcyboy
routers have a small hole in the plastic where there is a recessed reset button. You use the point of a pen or the end of a paper clip to press this reset button below the plastic. It is very hard to see. If you can't find it, you will have to disassemble the unit, and remove any battery from the circuit board for 30 mins.
ASKER
I have thouroughly checked the entire device - there's no buttons on the outside; I even took off the chasis screws and looked inside for a small button or jumper. I can see the battery, but it has been spot-welded in place. I've even checked everywhere online to see if there is a manufacturers master password. I suppose alternatively since I know the rules that were used to generate the password I could try a dictionary attack (hopefully there is no lockout on login attempts). If anyone has any suggestions on what I could use for that, let me know.
hack attacks on hardware (i.e. firmware) are rarely as successful as on application / OS software. I find it hard to imagine they did not allow a reset somewhere -- it makes the device throw away. What you are looking for is just a pinhole in the plastic case, through which you can insert a fine pin like a paper clip.
If you still have the case off, look for a switch or jumper on the PCB, maybe JP1 -- this will be a CMOS short. You have to have it unplugged and OFF while you do this, but if you can find a jumper, short it for 5 mins +
If you still have the case off, look for a switch or jumper on the PCB, maybe JP1 -- this will be a CMOS short. You have to have it unplugged and OFF while you do this, but if you can find a jumper, short it for 5 mins +
ASKER
I've physically opened the case and I found a jumper on the board that looked like it might be similar to a JBAT1, but it didn't do anything when I connected it to the other pin (this was in my initial description). I agree the lack of a reset button would be a poor design - but once again; I've scoured every inch of the external chasis.
When I connected the jumper I left it alone for at least 15 minutes while I worked on something else. It really has me scratching my head. If it were as simple as finding the button or shorting the jumper I wouldn't have had the need to post here.
Once I go back to work I'll give it a going over again; I wont rule out the possibility that I missed something in a panic. Aside from that the manufacturer's helpdesk will be open at 8am (CST) on Monday; once I'm able to get a hold of them and I get a bona fide solution - I'll be sure to relay the information.
When I connected the jumper I left it alone for at least 15 minutes while I worked on something else. It really has me scratching my head. If it were as simple as finding the button or shorting the jumper I wouldn't have had the need to post here.
Once I go back to work I'll give it a going over again; I wont rule out the possibility that I missed something in a panic. Aside from that the manufacturer's helpdesk will be open at 8am (CST) on Monday; once I'm able to get a hold of them and I get a bona fide solution - I'll be sure to relay the information.
get a manual for this cursed PCB. That may be your only hope. If there is a data port on the back, you might be able to TELNET into the CMOS in the system via a serial or other cable link. Good luck.
ASKER
Have the manual, tried using hyperterminal to the "command" port - guess what it asks for? Yup - mystery generated password. The manual had no information about resetting the device to defaults; which is not surprising as every feature and instruction is poorly written and/or poorly documented. The ability to connect to the port wasn't even documented - I just gave it a shot.
I'm seriously considering RMA'ing this thing and just going with HylaFax instead, but I'd prefer to go with an embedded system over software.
I'm seriously considering RMA'ing this thing and just going with HylaFax instead, but I'd prefer to go with an embedded system over software.
demand a refund -- any device that does not allow you to reset its state to default is an abortion.
Look for a comparable embedded system that is designed at least HALF right ...
"every feature and instruction is poorly written and/or poorly documented"
yeah, and guess what country this abortion was designed in ....
Look for a comparable embedded system that is designed at least HALF right ...
"every feature and instruction is poorly written and/or poorly documented"
yeah, and guess what country this abortion was designed in ....
ASKER
Solution found!!!
1) tftp -i <server ip address> get cfgtxtfile
2) attrib -R cfgtxtfile
3) edit cfgtxtfile
4) Look under "index=0" you will see "userid=admin" and "password=%password%"
5) Change the password to whatever you want.
6) tftp -i <server ip address> put cfgtxtfile
7) Restart the server
1) tftp -i <server ip address> get cfgtxtfile
2) attrib -R cfgtxtfile
3) edit cfgtxtfile
4) Look under "index=0" you will see "userid=admin" and "password=%password%"
5) Change the password to whatever you want.
6) tftp -i <server ip address> put cfgtxtfile
7) Restart the server
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
While not completely accurate since the TELNET prompted for the password in question. Telnet and TFTP not being equal; the suggestion did however get me on the right track. A significant number of suggestions circled back to solutions that I had already explored (CMOS Jumper & Reset Button), but I still have a solution at the end of the day - and an Expert to thank for it. More than glad to at least split the points on this one.