netinstall and rs-232

every now and then you may need to zap the flashmemory on the mikrotik using the netinstall tool (google: mikrotik netinstall)

In this case, i installed dude agent (really the full version) on a test rb/411 running rc5.07 and got it to save the dude database on the default flashmemory (nand). In this case, the database consumed the nand free space which i removed the dude agent but the database remained hidden. Won't do that again...always save dude database to USB device or a SD module (if supported)

To flash the nand with router o/s you need a null serial rs232 cable to tell the routerboard (for the units supporting a rs232 port) to boot from the ethernet port rather than nand. Problem was rs-232 ports on pc's are a little rare so i did the following.

1. connect rb/411 needing the flash via null rs232 cable to my working rb/433uah rs232 comm port
2. on my working rb/433uah "/system/ports/remote access" i removed the remote access
    - then from the terminal "/system serial-terminal serial0"
3. open another terminal windows up and booted the rb/411. This enabled me to break the boot sequence to tell it to boot from ethernet, using the terminal screen from my rb/433.

re: http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:System/Serial_Console

Should get another usb-rs232 device again...misplaced the last one i had which save the above. Still need the rs232 null cable which i used a old cisco management cable with 9-pins heads on each end.

Recovering your password

A good read on how to recover your password of you mikrotik . Personally would see a reflash and a config reload faster, without the risk of damaging the nvram.

http://qinocakp.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/mikrotik-password/