Core issue
The issue is due to the corrupted non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) and this error message may be generated in either of these scenarios:
While trying to convert the Supervisor 720 from a native Cisco IOS software release to hybrid, it fails to access a Multilayer Switch Feature Card's (MSFC's) NVRAM (unable to do write memory) when it reaches the stage of MSFC conversion.
If you are running an IOS image from the disk0: and when the switch is restarted, it boots from the image in the bootflash which is the CatOS.
Resolution
In order to resolve this issue, complete these steps:
Console into the Supervisor.
From the console prompt, type switch console in order to console into the MSFC.
Reload the MSFC and press Enter so that it goes into the ROMMON.
From the MSFC ROMMON, issue this command:
rommon 1 >priv
You now have access to the full set of monitor commands.
Warning: Some commands allow you to destroy your configuration and/or system images and could render the machine unbootable.
rommon 2 >nvram_erase
Enter in hex the start address [0xbe020000]: be000000
Enter in hex the test size or length in bytes [0x100]: 200000
rommon 3 >reset
Caution: Do NOT make a mistake with this, or it will destroy the MSFC NVRAM.
Next, set the configuration register to 0x2102 and set the boot variable by typing in these commands:
rommon 1 >confreg 0x2102
rommon 2 >BOOT=bootflash:MSFC-image.bin
!--- Make sure this is the exact file name or image name.
rommon 3 >sync
rommon 4 >reset
If it comes back up to ROMMON, type boot in order to boot up. Once booted up, change the hostname and save the changes by issuing the write memory command. You can now continue to use the write memory command.
For more information, refer to the Problem when User Attempts to Access the NVRAM After Cisco IOS to CatOS Conversion section of Troubleshooting Hardware and Common Issues on Catalyst 6500/6000 Series Switches Running Cisco IOS System Software.
