User guide

Reference Guide 117
CHAPTER 10 Firebox Read-Only System
Area
WatchGuard ships all Fireboxes with a fixed, baseline set of functionality
stored on the read-only system area of the Firebox flash disk memory. It is
possible to start the Firebox using this read-only system area when the
primary user area is misconfigured or corrupted. This functionality
allows you to:
• Troubleshoot problems where all access to the Firebox is lost
• Reset Firebox passphrases when you do not know or have forgotten
them
Fireboxes shipped before Firebox System (LiveSecurity System) 4.1
shipped with the original, standard functionality called the read-only
system area. Fireboxes shipped with Firebox System 4.1 or later contain
both the older functions and a new set of features designed to enhance
usability, called the enhanced system area.
Read-Only System Area
All Fireboxes, both new and old, have a read-only system area which the
unit can be booted into utilizing the serial cable shipped with the Firebox.
When a Firebox is running from the read-only system area, the SysB light
on the front panel is yellow and the Armed light is green.