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LucasMoura2026's avatar
LucasMoura2026
Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
Jan 29, 2026

BIG-IP i11000 – License compatibility with TMOS versions above 14.1.2 and Web GUI inaccessible

We are currently working on the recovery of an F5 BIG-IP i11000 appliance and would like guidance.

 

The device boots normally and console access is available. However, the system remains in an INOPERATIVE state and the Web GUI is not accessible. MCP and related services do not fully initialize.

 

A valid license file exists locally at /config/bigip.license. The license is bound to TMOS version 14.1.2. We understand that this license may only be valid for TMOS 14.1.2.x hotfix versions.

 

The system currently has installation images for TMOS versions 15.x, 16.x, 17.x and later available.

 

We would like clarification on the following points.

 

Does a license bound to TMOS 14.1.2 support only version 14.1.2.x, or can it run versions above that?

 

If the license is limited to 14.1.2.x, is reinstalling TMOS 14.1.2 on a new volume the correct recovery approach?

 

Can an incompatible TMOS version cause the Web GUI to fail, MCP not to start correctly, and the system to remain in an INOPERATIVE state?

 

Our goal is to restore full functionality while remaining compliant with the existing license, without performing an upgrade.

 

Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

Thank you.

 

Lucas Felipe de Jesus Moura

deployment
management
security

2 Replies

  • Melissa_C's avatar
    Melissa_C
    Icon for Moderator rankModerator
    Jan 29, 2026

    Hello LucasMoura2026​ 

    Your license should have a range of software that is available to be used, the limitation may come from your support contract. If you are not under support then when you relicense the device you will receive a check service date, that can be used to compare to the Software Support Policy to check what version you can go to. If you need information on the software versions the license itself is compatible with out support team is available via chat on MyF5 or phone 24/7. 

    -Melissa