# Troubleshooting Probe Status Issues

Here is a list of possible status issues you might encounter with your RIPE Atlas probe and steps to resolve them. If you are dealing with an issue that is not listed here, or if carrying out the steps recommended here did not resolve your issue, please contact the RIPE NCC at atlas@ripe.net.

# Probes with a corrupted file system

In order to fix this problem, please ask the hosts to perform the following steps:

Unplug the probe from its power source
Remove the USB stick from the probe
Plug in the probe WITHOUT the USB stick
Wait for ten minutes
Insert the USB stick

If this didn't help, please try repeating these steps using another working USB stick that is at least 4GB in size.

NOTE: This must be done on a network with working DHCP! It will NOT work if you have configured your probe to use a static IP address, because this mini-operating system does not have access to any statically configured IP addresses or DNS resolvers.

If you have configured your probe to use a static IP address, the only thing you can do is move it to a network with working DHCP. When the probe is listed as "connected" again, it is safe to move the probe back to its original location. However, please note that we advise configuring your probe to use a static IP address only if you feel it is truly necessary to do so.

# Probes with a read-only USB stick

Please use the following procedure:

Get a working USB stick that is at least 4GB in size (it does not need any preparation, but its contents will be erased so make sure it does not store anything crucial)
Power down your probe (unplug the USB power cable)
Insert the USB stick
Power up your probe (plug in the USB power cable)
Wait at least 30 minutes for the probe to initialise the drive and upgrade its firmware

# Probes without a USB stick

In order to fix this problem, please ask the hosts to perform the following steps:

Check whether there is in fact a USB stick in the probe

If there isn't, then:

Get a brand name USB stick that is at least 4GB in size (it does not need any preparation but its contents will be erased so make sure it does not store anything crucial)
Power down your probe (unplug the USB power cable)
Insert the USB stick into the probe's USB slot
Power up your probe (plug in the USB power cable)
Wait at least 30 minutes for the probe to initialise the drive and upgrade its firmware

NOTE: If there is already a USB stick in your probe, please check your USB power source and, if possible, try a different one.

# Probes you have given out but are not yet plugged in

In order to fix this problem, please remind the host to plug the probe into the network by following these simple steps:

Create a RIPE NCC Access account (opens new window). You will need to log in to RIPE Atlas via this account
Register your probe (opens new window) and fill in the details including the MAC address, which can be found on the probe
Plug in your probe. You can connect your probe using a network cable to your router, switch, etc. (Note that the probe is USB powered and can likely be connected to a USB power outlet on your router/switch)

# Disconnected probes that have no USB issues

Please remind the host to check their probe if they are well connected to your router. If you still encounter a problem after this, please check the other possible issues above. /about/faq/#the-probe-is-plugged-in-but-is-listed-as-disconnected

# Probes that have never been connected

Please ask the hosts why their probes are not connected yet. You can remind them of the following benefits of hosting a probe:

RIPE Atlas hosts can earn credits you can use to conduct your own customised measurements using the entire RIPE Atlas network and can provide valuable information about the performance of their own network. Use the RIPE Atlas network to monitor and troubleshoot any events.

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