Appendix B – The RouteFinder Rescue Kernel
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. RouteFinderVPN RF760/660/600VPN User Guide (PN S000323D) 149
Appendix B – The RouteFinder Rescue Kernel

What Is a Rescue Kernel?

Rescue Kernel is a software program that allows you to reinstall the RouteFinder software without connecting the CD-ROM
drive and using the RouteFinder software CD.
The Rescue Kernel can be installed on any of the RF6xx and RF7xx hardware, and it can be installed under version of the
RouteFinder software. Once installed, and in case the hard drive will not boot or has been corrupted, Rescue Kernel will
allow you to reinstall the ISO image also without connecting the CD-ROM drive and using the RouteFinder software CD.
With the Rescue Kernel you can configure the WAN IP and default gateway. You can perform everything remotely without
having to be onsite. After the reinstallation is complete, you can use the RouteFinder software to access the WAN IP from
the Internet assuming the public IP and default gateway were configured properly.

Before You Start

1. Check to See If Rescue Kernel Is Already Installed
Check to see if Rescue Kernel is already installed in your RouteFinder. To determine whether or not Rescue Kernel
is already installed, use one of the following two methods:
• If you /boot directory has a file named creat_netinstall_cfg, then the Rescue Kernel is installed.
OR
• Connect a keyboard and monitor to your RouteFinder. When you power on the RouteFinder, if you see that the
LILO prompt pauses for a few seconds and, during the pause, if you can see the Boot: prompt when you press
the ALT+TAB keys, then the Rescue Kernel is installed.
2. Configuration Backup
Backup your current RouteFinder configuration file and note the software version you are currently running.
3. Record License Key Numbers
• Locate you System license key and write it down. You will need this key after the software is installed.
• Locate your URL license key and write it down. You will need this if you planning to use the URL filter.
• If you have purchased and use the anti-virus options, locate your Anti-Virus license key file and write it down.
You will need this to import the anti-virus software.

ISO Image Directions

The methods for reinstalling the RouteFinder software under Rescue Kernel will refer to the ISO image. You must follow
these ISO image directions:
• When using RF600VPN hardware with a serial number lower than 9337635, DO NOT specify version 3.10 ISO
image.
• When using RF600VPN hardware with a serial number larger than 9337635, DO NOT specify version 3.00
ISO image.
• When using RF760VPN hardware, DO NOT specify version 3.00 ISO image.
• LAN and WAN Interface configuration work during the Rescue Kernel setup only if you are reinstalling 3.1x ISO
image and above.