SonicOS 7.1 Device Settings

Firmware Settings > Updating Firmware > Using SafeMode to Upgrade Firmware
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Using SafeMode to Upgrade Firmware

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If you are unable to connect to the SonicOS management interface, you can restart the security appliance in SafeMode. The SafeMode feature allows you to recover quickly from uncertain configuration states with a simplified management interface.

To use SafeMode to upgrade firmware

  1. Connect your computer to the X0 port on the appliance and configure your computer with an IP address on the 192.168.168.0/24 subnet, such as 192.168.168.20.
  2. To force the appliance into SafeMode, use a narrow, straight object, like a straightened paper clip or a toothpick, to press and hold the Reset button on the front of the SonicWall appliance for at least twenty seconds, until the Test light begins blinking.
  3. The Test light begins to blink when the SonicWall security appliance has rebooted into SafeMode.
  4. Enter 192.168.1.254 into your computer’s Web browser to access the SafeMode management interface.
  5. Click Upload New Firmware.
  6. Browse to the location where you saved the SonicOS firmware image.

  7. Select the file and click Upload.

  8. Select the Boot icon in the row for one of the following:

    • Uploaded Firmware - New! - Use this option to restart the appliance with your current configuration settings.
    • Uploaded Firmware with Factory Default Settings- New! - Use this option to restart the appliance with default configuration settings.

  9. In the confirmation dialog, click OK to proceed.

  10. To connect to SonicOS through the LAN or WAN interface of the firewall:

    1. Disconnect your computer from the MGMT port.

    2. Either:

      • Reconfigure it to automatically obtain an IP address and DNS server address.
      • Reset it to its normal static values.

  11. Connect your computer to the local network.

  12. Point your browser to the LAN or WAN IP address of the SonicWall appliance.

  13. After successfully booting the firmware, the log-in screen displays. If you restarted with factory default settings, enter the default user name and password (admin/password) to access the SonicOS management interface.