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Loading Firmware via the Switch Utility

06 Jun 2025

In some cases, you may be unable to access the interface of the switch to reconfigure it or load new firmware. This could occur due to any of the following conditions:

  • The switch is configured for an unknown IP address
  • You do not know the password of the switch
  • The switch is generally unresponsive

This utility will allow you to reload firmware as well as set the IP of the switch after the firmware load.

NOTE: This procedure should only be used if you cannot access the switch to load firmware via the web interface or if your switch is using a firmware version prior to 5.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: After recovering my switch with the Utility, will I need to use the Switch Utility to load future firmware versions? 
A: No, once you have reloaded the switch, the switch utility is only needed if you are unable to access the switch and need to recover it. Future firmware versions can be loaded directly to the switch without a separate utility.

Q: Will my configuration remain in the switch after recovery? 
A: No, the recovery process will restore the switch to factory defaults, however if you have a saved copy of your configuration, you can reload it after the recovery is complete.

Q: What will I need to recover my switch with the Utility? 
A: You will need the Switch Utility program, a firmware bundle (*.FWB file) and both an Ethernet and serial/USB connection to the switch. If using USB, you will also need the USB driver.

Q: Where do I get the switch utility, firmware bundle, etc.?
A: Click here to contact HMS technical support for a copy of the switch utility install file. 

Recovering the Switch

1. Download and install the Switch Utility program. The Java Runtime is required for the switch utility to run and will be loaded as part of the installation process.
2. Download the firmware bundle and save it to the desired location on your PC. 
3. Run the Switch Utility from the shortcut on your desktop.

mceclip5.png

NOTE: At this point, you must have an Ethernet connection to the switch as well as either a serial or USB connection as shown below:

Please also ensure that a TFTP service is not running, and no other program is using your serial port prior to starting the Switch Utility. 
4. From the Switch Utility, click mceclip1.png to browse the file directory and select the SLX firmware file.

5. Enter in the computer IP address, serial port, and baud rate used to communicate with the switch.

mceclip2.png

6. Enter in the switch IP address. Note: The IP address of the switch must be on a compatible subnet of the network adapter you are loading firmware from. If the IP address is not known enter in the default IP address of the switch.

mceclip3.png

7. Click mceclip4.png to begin loading firmware.

 

When prompted, turn off the power to the switch and click OK. Immediately after another prompt will appear to turn on the power and click OK. As the firmware loads, the progress meter should increase to 100%, and a message will confirm that the load was successful.

If the firmware loader is stuck at 0% - This indicates that there is an issue with the serial port communications to the switch. Verify the following:

  1. Verify that you have a serial connection to the switch, either to the mini-usb port or the RS-232 (DB-9 to RJ-45) port.
  2. If using a serial connection via the mini-usb port, verify that you have downloaded the correct USB driver from Red Lion Tech support.
  3. If using a serial connection via the RS-232 (DB-9 to RJ-45) port, verify that you have the correct pinouts as described in Accessing the Console Interface (CLI) on Red Lion Sixnet Series SLX Switches tech note:  Accessing the Console Interface (CLI) on Red Lion Sixnet Series SLX Switches – Red Lion Support
  4. Verify that there is not any virtual serial com ports enabled on your pc, as this is an unreliable method to update firmware.

If the firmware loader is stuck at 3% - This indicates that there is an issue with the Ethernet port communications to the switch. Verify the following:

  1. Verify that you are on a compatible subnet. For example: If you want your switch to have an IP address of 192.168.0.10, make sure that your PC has an IP address matching the first 3 octets and the last octet is unique, 192.168.0.X (where X = 1-254), but not the address of the switch (in this case 10).
  2. Verify that you have your Ethernet cable plugged in directly from your PC to the switch. You will not be able to load firmware from your PC through another switch to the target switch.
  3. Verify that there are no firewalls enabled on your PC.
  4. Verify that you have a good Ethernet cable by changing the cable. It is recommended that you use at least a CAT-5 or better cable.
  5. If you are still having an issue, try using a different PC.

If the firmware loader is stuck at 50% - This error often occurs with the use of a Serial to USB converter, which is not recommended for firmware loading. Please re-attempt the firmware load using a direct serial or USB connection. 

If the firmware loader is stuck at 99% - This indicates that the ping test after the firmware load did not complete. In this case, the firmware load has been completed successfully. You should be able to access your switch through your interface of choice. 

Note: The switch should now be fully accessible at the IP address specified in the Utility. 

You have now successfully recovered your switch!

Disclaimer

It is the customer's responsibility to review the advice provided herein and its applicability to the system. HMS makes no representation about specific knowledge of the customer's system or the specific performance of the system. HMS is not responsible for any damage to equipment or connected systems. The use of this document is at your own risk. HMS standard product warranty applies.

HMS Technical Support

If you have any questions or trouble contact HMS Technical Support by clicking here .

For more information: https://www.hms-networks.com/product-warranty-and-return-policy