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Knowledge Article: "Failed to Lock INI File" Error on TippingPoint TX-Series

Overview

The "failed to lock ini file" error is a known issue affecting the TippingPoint TX-Series network security devices. This error typically appears in the system logs when the device is unable to acquire a file lock on INI configuration files, which are critical for certain internal monitoring and telemetry functions.

Causes

Based on Trend Micro internal technical support and R&D escalation cases, common causes for the "failed to lock ini file" error on TippingPoint TX-Series include:

  • Memory Leaks: Memory leaks in system services can lead to failure in locking the INI files and disrupt normal system operation.
  • File Locking Conflicts: Inability to properly acquire flock (file lock) on the connection monitor parameters INI files.

Symptoms

  • Repeated error messages in system logs stating "failed to lock ini file".
  • Can potentially cause Layer 2 Fallback if memory reached critical levels.

 

3943033        2025-09-30 03:51:02.457        XXXXXXXXX        TOSPORT-INFO:                NP: <Ak0 > cp watchdog recovered                                        
3943034        2025-09-30 03:51:03.733        XXXXXXXXX        HEALTHCHECKD-NOTICE:         Sensor Memory - memory reading 67 percent returned to normal            
3943035        2025-09-30 03:51:05.153        XXXXXXXXX        CONMOND-NOTICE:              conmond: Starting                                                       
3943036        2025-09-30 03:51:05.159        XXXXXXXXX        CONMOND-NOTICE:              conmond: Started                                                        
3943037        2025-09-30 03:51:15.334        XXXXXXXXX        CONMOND-NOTICE:              conmond is ready to inspect                                             
3943038        2025-09-30 03:51:21.880        XXXXXXXXX        TOSPORT-ERROR:               HA: haPerfCheckState:DeviceRx packet loss 100% exceeding threshold 90%        
3943039        2025-09-30 03:51:25.543        XXXXXXXXX        HEALTHCHECKD-WARNING:        Congestion (100.0%) greater than 90.0%. Entering layer 2 fallback.        
3943040        2025-09-30 03:51:25.543        XXXXXXXXX        HEALTHCHECKD-NOTICE:         Congestion values : NIC Congestion (0.0%) Engine Congestion (0.0%) FPGA Congestion (100.0%)        
3943041        2025-09-30 03:51:25.543        XXXXXXXXX        HEALTHCHECKD-NOTICE:         Congestion states : NIC state (0) Engine state (0) FPGA state (2)        
3943042        2025-09-30 03:51:26.738        XXXXXXXXX        TOSPORT-INFO:                HA: Received L2FB enabled notification                                  
3943043        2025-09-30 03:51:26.738        XXXXXXXXX        TOSPORT-INFO:                HA: Sending L2FB indication to DP                                       
3943044        2025-09-30 03:51:26.739        XXXXXXXXX        HEALTHCHECKD-CRIT:           Layer 2 Fallback (Intrinsic HA) cause: Threshold failure       

 

Affected Product

  • TippingPoint TX-Series

Troubleshooting and Resolution

Trend Micro support and R&D have documented several effective remediation steps:

  1. Upgrade Software: Upgrade the TippingPoint system software (Tipping Point TPS (Threat Protection System) TOS) to version 6.5 or later, which contains fixes for this issue.  It has also been backported to 6.4.1.
  2. Restart the Device: Performing a system reboot or service restart can clear transient memory leaks and resolve the locking failure temporarily.
  3. Monitor System Logs: After applying the above steps, monitor system logs to confirm that the error messages no longer appear.

Additional Notes

  • Memory leaks causing this error are slow-growing; rebooting provides temporary relief until upgrades can be applied.

If you continue to experience this issue after following the recommended troubleshooting steps, please escalate to Trend Micro Support with current system logs and device information for further assistance.

 

Additional Resources

 

Keywords: "Failed to lock ini"