1200 AP is stuck in reboot mode

Ok, first we really need to know exactly which 1200 Series AP you have.  Can you tell us the part-code from the sticker on the back?  IIRC it was a 1220?

Anyway, incase I'm correct I'll go on the assumption that it is a 1220...

You need a PC/Laptop, a hub/switch or crossover cable, a TFTP server and the 1200 AP Autonomous image.

Install the TFTP server on the PC/Laptop and copy the 1200 AP Autonomous image to the TFTP root folder, but rename the file to c1200-k9w7-tar.default (note the .default file extension).

Assign 10.0.0.2 / 255.255.255.224 to the PC/Laptop's NIC and connect it to the switch (or AP via crossover cable).  TURN OFF THE FIREWALL on the PC/Laptop.

Power-up the AP while holding the MODE button for at least 30sec.

When you release the MODE button the TFTP download process will begin.  You will see the Autonomous image being downloaded to the AP in the TFTP server log window (depending on which TFTP server you use).

The whole process takes around 10 mins.  Once the AP downloads the image it will reload and boot with the correct image on it.

Correct model, and step by step procedure.  I went through those steps, got to that point after failing attempt, tried setting the correct ip suggested (between that range), noticed both set of ip's listed.  Tried using the commands to remove one, would not work.

I will attempt another reboot, kind of difficult trying to get it to the prompt mode again.  The question is will it clear off those ip's programmed in?

The recovery procedure will bypass any configuration, and will wipe any config on the AP.

The AP will ALWAYS give itself 10.0.0.1/255.255.255.224, so you can't use that IP and must use between .2 and .30

As long as you hold the button in for over 30s it will not require any interaction from you whatsoever.

Can you console to the AP while you're doing it, to see what's happening, then post the output here?

I did the 30s, it required you press break too as well.  You cannot just release after 30s, it just keeps rebooting.  As you can see per the logging.  Also at the very end it will show you two sets of ips, one is the original ip set on the system the other is what it sets then going into this mode.

Will this be a problem?
12-16-13

I  found some additional notes, that I did not have the first time explaining, how to initialize tftp, ether and flash.  This in turn is allowing me to run the update as it should.  This is where I was getting stopped at one point of the problem.

https://supportforums.cisco.com/docs/DOC-14636

The TFTP, Ether and Flash bit doesn't need to be done unless you interrupt the boot process during a normal boot.  You're not doing that - you're initiating the recovery process.

The problem is that your AP can't find the file in the TFTP server...

button pressed for 32 seconds

process_config_recovery: set IP address and config to default 10.0.0.1

process_config_recovery: image recovery

image_recovery: Download default IOS tar image tftp://255.255.255.255/c1200-k9w7-tar.default


examining image...tftp://255.255.255.255/c1200-k9w7-tar.default: connection timed out


ERROR: Failed to open archive file tftp://255.255.255.255/c1200-k9w7-tar.default

How are you connecting the PC/Laptop to the AP?
Which TFTP server are you running?  Make note, this is TFTP, not standard FTP.

After reviewing that link I gave you, I was able to load the new image on the AP.  One of the steps stated, typing set boot to the flash description.  I did that on the AP, check the set settings and confirmed it was there.  After I typed in the boot command, it failed to load the image.

Any suggestions from there?

You need to get it back to the bit I quoted in my last comment.  Really, you don't need to issue any commands - I've done this over 1000 times.

Can you just power up the AP with the console connected and post the output - without pressing anything?

The TFTP, Ether and Flash bit doesn't need to be done unless you interrupt the boot process during a normal boot.  You're not doing that - you're initiating the recovery process.

I did not interrupt the process, the process worked because I ran through those step.


The problem is that your AP can't find the file in the TFTP server...

If I don't initialize the tftp it doesn't do it automatically.



How are you connecting the PC/Laptop to the AP?  I use a crossover CAT5 cable.

Which TFTP server are you running?  Solarwinds

Make note, this is TFTP, not standard FTP.   I understand.

The first time I attempt to load an image, it was the incorrect image.  This is why it is stuck in a loop.  From the recovery mode specified, I am attempting to replace it with a correct version.

My mistake in the beginning but this is where I am.

Can you try using TFTPd32 instead of Solarwinds?

I did not interrupt the process, the process worked because I ran through those step.

I understand - what I'm saying is that you don't need to initiate those commands unless you've interrupted the boot process.  However, initiating the recovery process isn't the same as interrupting the process, so you don't need to press anything other than the MODE button.

When you hold the MODE button it will automatically:

Initialize the Ethernet controller and set the AP's IP address to 10.0.0.1
Initialize the TFTP filesystem
Initialize the Flash filesystem
Attempt to download the c1200-k9w7-tar.default file using a TFTP broadcast

If you are prompted to issue any commands during the AP boot sequence you have not initiated the recovery procedure correctly.

I attempted the method suggested, four times and releasing the mode button does not start t his process or any.  In fact it goes directly into loop reboot.
1200-log

In fact it goes directly into loop reboot.

...and it will because as I said earlier - the AP can't find the image on your TFTP server.

examining image...tftp://255.255.255.255/c1200-k9w7-tar.default: no such file or directory


ERROR: Failed to open archive file tftp://255.255.255.255/c1200-k9w7-tar.default

You need to check the TFTP server software log to see if the AP tried to download the image from your Laptop.

I can't say it enough - using the MODE button is the way to go, but you need to fix the file not found issue.

Let me go back to the beginning so it makes sense.  Originally I was working in the gui mode, loaded up the ios (wrong one), didn't realize it until after it was done and then rebooted.  After that the messages you are seeing is what is still happening as of today.  I am unable to get to a prompt, long enough to make any changes, because it reboots within seconds.  So I understand what you are telling me about the message.  The message was created from the wrong ios installation, nothing I did recently.

How can I fix this other than through the MODE button you are suggesting?

After several conversations, it came down to a final explanation with an alternative tftp program that made the whole thing work again.  I appreciate the patience and expert opinion provided by the person who had helped me through this entire process.  Most of all I appreciate the patience with taking the time to explain (break it down).  Sometimes it is hard trying to understand every aspect of Geekignese.

It is now working again, with the correct ios on the ap and I have learned a valuable lesson on what not to put on these types of devices.

Yay!! Glad you got it working :-)

In case you need to do anything like this in the future; any file with k9w7 in it is what you're looking for.  The k9w8 files are lightweight images for use with a controller.

I was once tasked with downgrading 800 APs when they first shipped with lightweight code.  My boss bought the APs with lightweight code on them simply because they were £20 cheaper!  I fell into every problem imaginable with this process during the first couple of boxes so I can appreciate how frustrating it can be.

Thank you again, yes working great as it did before.  I can now put this ap back in service, where it might be needed.