FAILED: install_add_activate_commit : Super package already added.

[andrewdours]

FAILED: install_add_activate_commit : Super package already added. Add operation not allowed. 'install remove inactive' can be used to discard added packages

So, I was upgrading a switch last evening to 16.12.05b using the following command:

install add file:flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.12.05b.SPA.bin activate commit

The switch ran through the process to the last step which was to reboot.  I inadvertently selected no reboot.  I then attempted the upgrade process again and now I receive this error.  I ended up just installing the upgrade using BUNDLE mode.

I've already run 'install remove inactive' and then attempted another INSTALL mode install and no change.  

What do I need to do to fix this.

Thanks,

Andrew

[william.law]

i have same problem too, but once i erase the version with "install remove inactive", and perform install new version again. It's work fine for me on Catalyst 9200

[mik31]

Weird, I'm having the same issue and when using "install remover inactive" it doesn't change the error message? I'm currently in bundle mode trying to switch to install mode.

[drobles]

This worked for me, too! Before erasing, I used dir flash:*.bin and had the previous version on the flash as well. After running install remove inactive, I copied the file again, ran the dir command, and it only showed the latest version on the flash. 

[soumyashettychoi]

I am finding the same error, did you get the solution? please share 

[kevinbr453]

Hello, is there a solution?

[HArcher1]

Having the same problem as well, though already in install mode. Trying to upgrade to 17.03.05 from 16.12 but hitting the super package error. Going to escalate with Cisco TAC and will provide any answer I find here. 

Switch current version:

Switch Ports Model              SW Version        SW Image              Mode   

------ ----- -----              ----------        ----------            ----   

*    1 65    C9300-48UXM        16.12.4           CAT9K_IOSXE           INSTALL

Command + error message:
"response": "install_add_activate_commit: START Mon Oct 3 05:51:58 UTC 2022\ninstall_add_activate_commit: Adding PACKAGE\ninstall_add_activate_commit: Checking whether new add is allowed ....\nFAILED: install_add_activate_commit : Super package already added. Add operation not allowed. 'install remove inactive' can be used to discard added packages"

(Writing automation logic to perform upgrade, excuse the JSON response instead of CLI format)

[HArcher1]

I'm back!  
Here's what I found to resolve the issue - it's a little overkill but it's the method that we followed on the TAC call yesterday and it worked. Retried it a handful of times afterwards with nothing but success.

1. Remove the target version file from the flash if you have it copied (annoying yes, but appears necessary to get rid of super package error)

2. Remove boot statement (conf t, no boot system) 

3. Point boot statement to packages.conf (conf t, boot system flash:packages.conf)

4. Remove inactive packages (install remove inactive, yes)

5. Copy target image bin file 

6. Do an MD5 verify (never hurts :D: verify /md5 flash:{imageName} {expectedSignature})

7. OPTIONAL: Setup a label for your current image that way you can rollback easily after committing new image (install label {preferredIDnumber} label-name {currentVersionLabel}). Pro-tip, do a quick check of any current existing rollback point IDs to make sure you dont overwrite (show install rollback)

8. Add, activate, and commit new image with automatic reload: (install add file flash:{fileName} activate commit prompt-level none) 

This should resolve the super package issue - going forward you don't necessarily need to run the 'install remove inactive' command every time, I've validated this a few times. If you do decide to use it though as standard practice, make sure to copy your target image after the command otherwise you may delete the .bin file. 

Good luck! Here for any questions/feedback.

[HArcher1 · Accepted solution]

I'm back!  
Here's what I found to resolve the issue - it's a little overkill but it's the method that we followed on the TAC call yesterday and it worked. Retried it a handful of times afterward (9300, 3850) with nothing but success.

1. Remove the target version file from the flash if you have it copied (annoying yes, but appears necessary to remove super package error)

2. Remove boot statement (conf t, no boot system) 

3. Point boot statement to packages.conf (conf t, boot system flash:packages.conf)

4. Remove inactive packages (install remove inactive, yes)

5. Copy target image bin file 

6. Do an MD5 verify (never hurts :D: verify /md5 flash:{imageName} {expectedSignature})

7. OPTIONAL: Setup a label for your current image that way you can rollback easily after committing new image (install label {preferredIDnumber} label-name {currentVersionLabel}). Pro-tip, do a quick check of any current existing rollback point IDs to make sure you dont overwrite (show install rollback)

8. Add, activate, and commit new image with automatic reload: (install add file flash:{fileName} activate commit prompt-level none) 

This should resolve the super package issue - going forward you don't necessarily need to run the 'install remove inactive' command every time, I've validated this a few times. If you do decide to use it though as standard practice, make sure to copy your target image after the command otherwise you may delete the .bin file. 

Good luck! Here for any questions/feedback.

[scaudle]

I had this same exact issue and this worked perfectly for me.  Thank you for posting!

[royce.varughese.1984]

Tried steps as in solution but still ends up in same state.
i could not do optional step as it kept giving me error.

[Leo Laohoo]

Post the complete output to the command "dir".

[royce.varughese.1984]

Switch#delete bo
Switch#delete bootflash:cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin
Delete filename [cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin]?
Delete flash:/cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin? [confirm]
Switch#
Switch#
Switch#conf t
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Switch(config)#no boo
Switch(config)#no boot sy
Switch(config)#no boot system
Switch(config)#boot sys
Switch(config)#boot system fl
Switch(config)#boot system flash:pa
Switch(config)#boot system flash:packages.conf
Switch(config)#exit
Switch#wr

Switch#install remove inactive
install_remove: START Mon Jul 07 10:55:35 AWST 2025
install_remove: Removing IMG
Cleaning up unnecessary package files
No path specified, will use booted path /flash/packages.conf

Cleaning /flash
Scanning boot directory for packages ... done.
Preparing packages list to delete ...
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-espbase.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-lni.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-webui.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-wlc.17.09.05.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/packages.conf File is in use, will not delete.

SUCCESS: No extra package or provisioning files found on media. Nothing to clean.
SUCCESS: Files deleted.

--- Starting Post_Remove_Cleanup ---
Performing REMOVE_POSTCHECK on all members
Finished Post_Remove_Cleanup
SUCCESS: install_remove Mon Jul 07 10:55:35 AWST 2025
Switch#

Switch#install label 1 label-name Currentversion1795
install_add_label: START Mon Jul 7 11:04:28 AWST 2025
--- Starting install_add_label ---
Performing install_add_label on all members
[1] install_add_label package(s) on switch 1
FAILED: install_add_label : No rollback id 1 present
[1] Finished install_add_label on switch 1
Checking status of install_add_label on [1]
install_add_label: Passed on []. Failed on [1]
Finished install_add_label

FAILED: install_add_label exit(1) Mon Jul 7 11:04:32 AWST 2025

Switch#install add file bootflash:cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin activate commit
install_add_activate_commit: START Mon Jul 07 11:07:58 AWST 2025
install_add: Adding IMG
[1] Switch 1 FAILED: Super package already added. Add operation not allowed. install remove inactive can be used to discard added packages
FAILED: add_activate_commit /mnt/sd3/user/cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin Mon Jul 07 11:07:58 AWST 2025
Switch#install add file bootflash:cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin activate commit pro
Switch#install add file bootflash:cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin activate commit prompt-level no
Switch#install add file bootflash:cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin activate commit prompt-level none
install_add_activate_commit: START Mon Jul 07 11:08:32 AWST 2025
install_add: Adding IMG
[1] Switch 1 FAILED: Super package already added. Add operation not allowed. install remove inactive can be used to discard added packages
FAILED: add_activate_commit /mnt/sd3/user/cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin Mon Jul 07 11:08:32 AWST 2025
Switch#

[royce.varughese.1984]

Upgrading from 17.9 5 > 17.12.5

[royce.varughese.1984]

Directory of flash:/

647184 drwx 4096 Jul 7 2025 11:05:34 +08:00 .installer
647175 -rw- 1312262395 Jul 7 2025 10:59:59 +08:00 cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin
647171 -rw- 2097152 Jul 7 2025 10:55:24 +08:00 nvram_config_bkup
647170 -rw- 2097152 Jul 7 2025 10:55:24 +08:00 nvram_config
647178 -rw- 0 Jun 17 2025 06:29:12 +08:00 dope_hist
647211 -rw- 17060 Jun 17 2025 06:29:12 +08:00 rdope_out.txt
647212 -rw- 89 Jun 17 2025 06:29:11 +08:00 rdope.log
647219 -rw- 1036 Jun 17 2025 06:28:41 +08:00 vlan.dat
647195 -rwx 2049 Jun 17 2025 06:27:43 +08:00 svl_ipc.tcl
647194 -rw- 137940 Jun 17 2025 06:27:43 +08:00 memleak.tcl
647173 -rw- 437 Jun 17 2025 06:27:32 +08:00 boothelper.log
73761 drwx 4096 Jun 17 2025 06:27:30 +08:00 dc_profile_dir
647229 -rw- 105 Jun 17 2025 06:27:22 +08:00 mcelog.txt
647185 -rw- 962 Jun 17 2025 06:27:22 +08:00 bootloader_evt_handle.log
647177 -rw- 3130875 Jun 11 2025 10:08:18 +08:00 pp-adv-cat9k-1712.1-49-74.0.0.pack
57345 drwx 4096 Nov 28 2024 11:24:08 +08:00 .rollback_timer
647186 drwx 4096 Nov 28 2024 09:35:31 +08:00 .prst_sync
647245 -rw- 1924 Nov 28 2024 09:28:04 +08:00 ISRGRootX1CrossSignDST.ca
172045 drwx 4096 Nov 28 2024 09:27:58 +08:00 EDScisco
73729 drwx 4096 Nov 28 2024 09:27:58 +08:00 tech_support
647192 -rwx 0 Nov 28 2024 09:26:29 +08:00 mode_event_log
172044 drwx 4096 Nov 28 2024 09:26:29 +08:00 SHARED-IOX
647242 -rw- 988 Nov 28 2024 09:25:25 +08:00 mcu_debug.txt
647240 -rw- 1288 Nov 28 2024 09:25:25 +08:00 .packages.verify.log
647239 -rw- 116 Nov 28 2024 09:24:47 +08:00 .mb_fpgapackages.log
647236 -rw- 308 Nov 28 2024 09:24:47 +08:00 .bootpackages.verify.log
647237 -rw- 1248 Nov 28 2024 09:24:47 +08:00 preboothelper.log
647249 -rw- 1530 Nov 28 2024 09:24:47 +08:00 fpgahelper.log
647234 -rw- 384 Nov 28 2024 09:24:46 +08:00 .iox_alt_hdd_cleanup.log
172046 -rw- 7536 Nov 27 2024 15:36:00 +08:00 packages.conf
172057 -rw- 53906042 Nov 27 2024 15:36:00 +08:00 cat9k-rpboot.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
172056 -rw- 9220 Nov 27 2024 15:34:47 +08:00 cat9k-wlc.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
172055 -rw- 18887684 Nov 27 2024 15:34:47 +08:00 cat9k-webui.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
172054 -rw- 42390536 Nov 27 2024 15:34:47 +08:00 cat9k-srdriver.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
172053 -rw- 65909764 Nov 27 2024 15:34:45 +08:00 cat9k-sipspa.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
172052 -rw- 51794952 Nov 27 2024 15:34:44 +08:00 cat9k-sipbase.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
172051 -rw- 821961732 Nov 27 2024 15:34:43 +08:00 cat9k-rpbase.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
172050 -rw- 9220 Nov 27 2024 15:34:40 +08:00 cat9k-lni.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
172049 -rw- 2159624 Nov 27 2024 15:34:40 +08:00 cat9k-guestshell.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
172048 -rw- 173622280 Nov 27 2024 15:34:40 +08:00 cat9k-espbase.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
172047 -rw- 28365836 Nov 27 2024 15:34:40 +08:00 cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.09.05.SPA.pkg
647223 -rw- 2822076 Nov 27 2024 15:30:26 +08:00 pp-adv-cat9k-179.1-46-68.0.0.pack
647216 drwx 4096 Nov 27 2024 15:00:09 +08:00 pnp-tech
647210 drwx 4096 Nov 27 2024 14:40:14 +08:00 .dbpersist
647230 -rw- 23715 Nov 27 2024 14:38:10 +08:00 MDRConf27112024
647228 -rw- 2524886 Jun 22 2023 10:45:55 +08:00 pp-adv-cat9k-176.1-43-64.0.0.pack
647243 -rw- 152 Jun 22 2023 09:42:59 +08:00 .fpga_upg_run.log
647221 drwx 4096 Jan 28 2023 17:08:47 +08:00 Apps
647224 -rw- 1441 Jan 28 2023 17:06:36 +08:00 2023_01_28T09_05_57.064705.xml
16385 drwx 4096 Jan 28 2023 16:58:18 +08:00 core
131073 drwx 4096 Jan 28 2023 16:58:02 +08:00 guest-share
114689 drwx 4096 Jan 28 2023 16:57:58 +08:00 pnp-info
647213 drwx 4096 Jan 28 2023 16:57:58 +08:00 onep
647207 drwx 4096 Jan 28 2023 16:55:09 +08:00 .rommon_sync
647206 -rw- 1261 Jan 28 2023 16:55:06 +08:00 Baltimore.ca
647205 -rw- 1606 Jan 28 2023 16:55:06 +08:00 StarfieldServicesRootCA.ca
647204 -rw- 1338 Jan 28 2023 16:55:06 +08:00 DigiCertGlobalRootCA.ca
647196 drwx 4096 Jan 28 2023 16:55:05 +08:00 Tbot
73763 drwx 4096 Jan 28 2023 16:55:01 +08:00 fp_cc_crash
647193 drwx 4096 Jan 28 2023 16:55:01 +08:00 sys_report

11353194496 bytes total (7965945856 bytes free)