Re: SOLVED: Re: Blocked out from reinstalling by system konsole GELI passphrase request

On 7/20/26 06:54, John Gaskill wrote:
>   Since the hardware and FreeBSD/ZFS refused under any circumstances to allow
> a reinstallation or other access to the system without requested passwords, I
> used a tool from my OS/2 era, called DFSee, to create a Linux DFSPup64 thumb
> drive which got me on as I had installed the Linux support when doing the
> installation.
> 
>  From that point I ran some reports for my own benefits and files, then wiped the
> drives to blank so I can reinstall FreeBSD. Clean shutdown afterwards.
> 
> Good night's sleep and back to the installation this morning.
> 
> No encryption during the installation this time.


I have a SOHO network with various clients and two FreeBSD servers (live 
and backup).  I put each OS on a dedicated SSD and I put my data on the 
server, to the extent that is practical.


To install FreeBSD:

1.  Download the FreeBSD installer ISO of choice and burn to an optical 
disc.  Alternatively, download the FreeBSD installer memstick image of 
choice and burn to a USB flash drive.

2.  Power down the target machine.  Disconnect all drives except 
optical.  Leave HBA/RAID cards connected.  Install a 2.5" SATA III 
mobile rack and connect to the BIOS/UEFI first enumerated port.  Insert 
a 2.5" SATA III SSD into the mobile rack.

3.  Power up the machine.  Insert FreeBSD installer media.  If the SSD 
is self-encrypting and you want encryption, press the Setup hot key, set 
the SED passphrase, save, and exit.

4.  Install FreeBSD onto the SSD.  KISS.  I prefer UFS for OS disks.

5.  Check-in key files to a version control system.  Backup the boot and 
root file systems.  Take an image of the drive.

6.  Power down.  Install/connect/reconnect hardware.  Boot. 
Install/configure/reconfigure services.  Validate.  Repeat as required.


David