Can't get to GUI anymore

[dreamerman]

I set up my opnsense box and able to reach gui via 192.168.8.1 on a test system. I shut down the box and plugged it into my home network. All devices take its IP from DHCP server. After plugging in, my home network is able to connect to internet but I can o longer reach the box via 192.168.8.1. At this point, all devices' IP is in 192.168.8.xx range and can ping 192.168.8.1. I can't understand why I can't get to GUI.
I unplugged it from my home network and reverted back to the test system (ie a laptop connected directly to the opnsense box). Found out I also cannot reach GUI anymore using 192.168.8.1 but I can ping it. Since I do not have console via VGA (stuck at booting), is my only option is to reinstall everything?

[marjohn56]

Did you configure any access via SSH or serial/USB? That's the first thing I do after an install.


You may have to re-install if the answer is no. If you do have to re-install then remember that you can import your configuration during install, hopefully it's a minor glitch and you will get back GUI access. Once you do have access then make sure you enable console and preferably SSH access too in settings:adminstration - set the primary and secondary consoles to VGA and serial, that way there should always be a way back in.

[dreamerman]

Did you configure any access via SSH or serial/USB? That's the first thing I do after an install.

Thanks, I will reinstall and do as you suggested. I live and learn 

[dreamerman]

Ok I reinstalled it and upgraded to latest v19.1.6. Used putty and able to ssh into my opnsense box. Wish me luck from this point onwards