Merlin Mail 3.0 Reset HELP

[tdaugirdas]

Hi: I have a used Merlin Mail. The sys admin box has been changed and I can't find it. I read some posts that talked about re-initializing the system thru the com port. I have tried to connect with no success. Used hyperterminal and several different serial cables - no luck. Can anyone email me the right procedure to initialize the hard drive and reset everything to factory default? I could sure use some detailed help. Thanks..Tom

 

[ken07734]

try looking for the serial number on the module, with that login to the mail using the admin mb 9997 then enter the serial number for the password, if all goes well you should hear goodbye!, reboot the voice mail and it should be reset to the defualt passwords.


If memory serves me you go into the mail with the com port and escape to cpm dos mode at the prompt yo9u type init and it should reset to default. you can also get into it by modem dialing the 7th port of the card using hyperterminal.

 

[tdaugirdas]

Ken - I wish I knew what the admin box was - it was changed from the default 9997. I do know the serial# - but I can't do anything with it unless I can find the admin mail box#.
I have tried to go in thru the com port - but had no success. As far as I know - that is what I have to do. Have tried different cables and hyperterminal settings. Some posts say to hit enter then the serial#, then "init" - but I can't even connect correctly. All I see is a blank screen with no cursor - no response to any keystrokes.
I need someone to walk me thru the correct connection procedure and then the reset process. It is a 4-port Merlin Mail Release 3.04 unit. Thansk...Tom

 

[ken07734]

you can not change the admin mailbox number. try dialing into it with the access code when it askd for extension and # enter 9997# then the serial number and #


if you are not getting a prompt that you have reached merlin mail then there is another problem there. try to describe to me what you hear when you try to access the admin ,ailbox in detail.

 

[tdaugirdas]

Ken: I can get in to mail box 9997 - but it has been changed to just a regular mail box. You get the standard mail box greeting and get told that there is no new mail. The system just announces the mail box number - and does not tell you you have reached the system admin mail box. The manual recommends that the default 9997 admin mail box be changed - and theses people obviously did it.
That's why I have to get in via hyperterminal and see the configuration file to learn which mail box is for sys admin. Then I can get in and reset the password with the serial#. However, I don't know how to connect via hyperterminal. I have tried many times with different cables and settings - but just get a blank screen. Some people say you need to hit control C and then type User 1 and then type init. Others say you hit enter first and then enter the serial# and then type init.
I need to know the exact procedure and need help with the right cable and hyperterminal settings. I have been using 2400,8,1,none - but all I get is a blank screen - even though hyperterminal says I am connected. No keystrokes echo on the hyperterminal screen - just a blank cursor.

 

[exsmogger]

Your settings should be 1200 baud, 8 data, 1 stop, no parity. You also need a null modem or crossover serial cable.

Brian Cox

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

 

[tdaugirdas]

Brian: I have the settings on hyperterminal at 1200,8,n,1,hardware flow control. Terminal set to VT100, ech on. When I enter anything - it takes a long time to echo. Hyperterminal is on autodetect and shows a connection - but I see nothing from the Merlin Mail. For a cable I am using a Laplink serial cable (I think it is a null modem cable - but there are so many configurations for a null modem). I think I tried the remote maintenance cable - but that didn't work any differently. Is there a specific cable to use?

What do I do if I get connected? You can see from the above I have tried different sequences (enter, serial#, dir, init, init2, etc.; CntrlC, serial#, init, etc.) Maybe the problem is I am still not connected because I do not ever get a CPM DOS prompt - just the blinking hyperterminal one. I could really use some detailed help in connecting - I am at my wits end with this thing!..Tom

 

[ken07734]

you do know that the option 9 is hidden in the admin mb?, when you log into the mailbox hit 9 and you will be prompted with another password that will get you into the admin.

 

[tdaugirdas]

ken: That I know - but I can't find the admin mail box. It was changed. I can get into 9997 - but it is just a regular mailbox now. If you press 9 - the system responds that it doesn't understand the command. That's why I am struggling to get in thru the com port. So far with no luck. Is there any other way to find whatever the admin mailbox has been set to?... Tom

 

[redphone]

I have my Hyperterminal set to 1200,8,N,2 xon/xoff. You will need a null modem cable. Once you connect, use the serial number as the password, then choose 'Display Configuration', that will show you the sys admin mailbox, you can also change the system password from that menu.

If you want to wipe it out completely do this:

boot up the VM while with your computer still conected to the serial port. After the BIOS POST (you will here a beep) continue to press control C until you get the C prompt.

At the C prompt, do this:

C> user 1
1C> d:
1D> init

Also if the serial number does not work for you password, you can find the serial number that the VM uses. instead of typing 'init' from the 1D prompt, type 'mm' that will show the serial number in the heading.

 

[exsmogger]

I use a regular serial cable with a null modem adapter. The following is from one of our quick reference guides:

Resetting Partner Mail or Merlin Mail To Factory Defaults

1. Connect a null modem and a serial cable from the com port of your PC to com port one of the voicemail.

2. Start Hyperterminal on your PC and set the program for 1200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity.

3. Power on the voicemail and you will be able to watch the boot up sequence.

4. When boot up is finished you will get a password prompt. The password is br00k. Note that the password is lowercase and the 0’s are zeroes.

5. You will now see a menu. Press B to perform the shutdown procedure.

6. When the voicemail is finished shutting down all the port lites will extinguish and the menu will return. Press the escape key to go to a C: prompt.

7. At the C: prompt type init and then press the Enter key.

8. You will see a warning message that all data will be lost. Press Y and the Enter key to continue with resetting of the voicemail.

9. Allow about 10 minutes for the voicemail to reset. You should be back at the main menu when the reset is complete.

10. Press A to restart the voicemail. Allow about 5 minutes for the restart to complete. All the green port lites will be lit when ready for operation.




Brian Cox

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

 

[ken07734]

wait a minute..... are you sure it's a merlin mail and not a merlin messaging? try using 0# for the mailbox and then the password. see if you have a 9 option then.

 

[tdaugirdas]

to redphone and Brian: Thanks - that is the clearest advice I have had so far as to how to connect - and what to do after connecting. I just have one question left before I try this. What is a "nullmodem" and where do I get one - and which kind should I buy? As I said I tried using a Laplink serial cable and the cable from the remote maintenance device - and all I got was very very slow echoing of what I keyed and a long pause afetr hitting enter - with no display from the Merlin 3.0.

Ken: It has to be a Merlin Mail. It has 4-ports and the drive says "Merlin Mail R3 V3.04 B=32 M=D/C".

Thanks all for your help!! Let me try the above and I will let you know what happens.

I just need the question answered on the "null modem".

Tom

 

[exsmogger]

Null modem is just an adapter that crosses over the transmit and receive connections.

Brian Cox

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

 

[ken07734]

Contact me at khurd@shorelinetelcom.com

I will email you the manual.