Re: [cobalt-users] Starting from scratch -- Resetting Raq4i to factory settings

[Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Karl wrote:

> I had a Raq4i co-located at a remote ISP.  Almost immediately after turning
> the server on, it was hacked.  Many files were altered to allow the hacker
> to have a 'back door' to the system.  He/She used it to tunnel through to
> other system from my Raq. (sigh)

It happens <frown>.

> I've looked everywhere, but I can't find out how to re-set the system back
> to it's original factory setting (e.g. re-format the hard drive, re-install
> the OS, etc.)   On a PC-based server, I'd boot from a floppy/CD and
> FDISK/FORMAT the drive, but how would I do this on a Raq?   I've downloaded
> the OS image, but am a loss what to do next.

You have to be in the same room as your RaQ.  If you're not, then either
someone who is there has to do it for you, or you have to have your RaQ
shipped back to you <frown>.  We've not yet figured out a way to do this
remotely, though with a bunch of RaQs and new ones installed about twice
a week these days, I've been trying <wry grin>.

Once you're in the same room, Gerald's pretty much told you how to go. 
Note, though, that the RaQ is pretty fussy about the NIC card in your
system; it has to come from a rather short list <frown>.

> Can anyone advise?  Worse comes to worse, I'll pay someone to do this for
> me.  I need to get this server back up and running!

If you're not local to your RaQ, we can do it for you, but if the
machine isn't in Southern California, it gets expensive <wry grin>, as
we charge for travel.

We also offer a service wherein if we colocate your Raq we can
automatically back it up on a regular schedule and restore it within a
matter of hours if necessary.

Contact me offlist if you'd like to discuss any of my services.

Jeff
-- 
Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Linux and Cobalt/Sun/RaQ Consulting
nobaloney.net
P. O. Box 52672, Riverside, CA  92517
voice: (909) 778-9980  *  fax: (702) 548-9484