Catalyst 8200/8300 Startup Changes to Using packages.conf Instead of .bin

[Translator]

I use the Catalyst 8200/8300.

The other day, I did an OS upgrade of IOS-XE, and there was a situation that the boot system setting specifies a .bin file instead of packages.conf on some devices.

Expected Configuration: boot system bootflash:packages.conf

Actual configuration: boot system flash bootflash:c8000be-universalk9.17.15.04.SPA.bin

I want to start using packages.conf. What kind of operation command do I need? Will it also be necessary to restart the system?

If you have any knowledge, we would appreciate it if you could answer.

[Leo Laohoo]

Cisco ISR & ASR 1k Routers: IOS-XE/Firmware Upgrade (Install Mode)

[Mark Elsen]

    - It looks like the full upgrade procedure was not executed correctly  : verify current mode using 
                                                                                                                 show version | include Mode

      To sanitize the setup :    1) copy the bin file from cisco software downloads  through your local
                                               tftp server or via usb to the switch
                                           2) Expand the image to install mode:
                                                            request platform software package expand file flash:xxx.bin to flash:

                                           3) boot system flash:packages.conf
                                              write memory 
                                              reload

                                            4) After boot , verify if the router is in Install Mode : show version | include Mode

  M.

[Translator · Accepted solution]

In terms of service impact, the change of Installation mode (Bundle mode or Install mode) will cause a reboot.


I think that the work will generally follow the following flow.

(1) First, it is better to check the installation mode with the following command.

show version | include Installation mode is


(2) Then, fix the command of "boot system" to be "only" below. Delete the ".bin" designation with "no".

boot system bootflash:packages.conf


(3) "write memory" will update the "BOOT variable", so check if "bootflash:packages.conf" is now loaded.

show boot

write memory

show boot


(4) Then, in "install add file", specify the ".bin" file to convert to Install mode.
If you specify "prompt-level none", it will run until "Automatically restart".
Note: The behavior is checked on the C9800 of the same IOS-XE system.

install add file bootflash:<File> activate commit prompt-level none


(5) Finally, check if "bootflash:packages.conf" is specified in the "BOOT variable".

show boot


[Note]
By the way, some models are said to have discontinued Bundle mode in v17.18 and later.

Cisco IOS XE Bundle Boot Mode Will Be Discontinued After Release 17.18 – Product Bulletin - Cisco
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/ios-nx-os-software/ios-xe-17/ios-xe-bundle-boot-pb.html

[Translator]

Thank you for your reply.

By following the steps described above, we have changed to boot from packages.conf!

Thank you very much for the detailed and attentive professor.