PXI Controller Status: Connected - Safe Mode (Software Error)

Updated Nov 17, 2025

Reported In

Hardware

  • PXI Controller

Software

  • Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)

Operating System

  • PharLap

Issue Details

I am using a PXI (or PXI Express) controller, which runs PharLap ETS Real-Time operating system. In NI MAX, the device is present with the status: Connected Safe Mode (Software Error). What should I do to recover my PXI(e) system?

Solution

According to the Configuring Software and Hardware Firewalls to Support NI Products document, confirm that the following ports are open:

  • MAX Hardware Identification - UDP 44515, UDP 44525, TCP 44516.
  • LabVIEW Real-Time (Deploying and Debugging VI's) - TCP 3079.

If you are assured that all necessary UDP and TCP ports are configured properly and the issue still persists, perform additional steps:

  1. Check your BIOS version and update it to the latest version according to the document - Determining and Upgrading PXI and VXI Embedded Controller BIOS Versions.
  2. Install the software on the controller - Adding or Removing Software on a Phar Lap Real-Time (RT) PXI Controller.
  3. If the previous operations would not change the system behavior, format the device with a USB drive (and then install the necessary software on the controller) - Using a Utility USB Drive to Format my Real-Time PXI Controller .

Additional Information

If steps performed above would not change the controller's status, contact NI technical support and consider opening RMA request (Return Merchandise Authorization). To begin the process, generate an online Service Request by going to the Service Request Manager at www.ni.com/ask.

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