Upgrade IOS 8500L in install mode

[marzi]

Hi all

I should have to do a IOS upgrade on two new C8500L-8S4X just purchased.

The new release will be IOS Cupertino-17.9.3a.

I've read that I could do it using install mode method.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/routers/cloud_edge/c8500/software-configuration-guide/c8500-software-config-guide/Package_Management-1.html#con_1057846

Usually about the Cisco 9300 I used the following commands :

Switch#copy usbflash0:cat9k_iosxe.xxxxxxxx.bin flash:
Switch(config)#boot system flash:packages.conf
Switch(config)#no boot manual
Switch(config)#exit
Switch#install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.xxxxxxxxxx.bin activate commit

instead, the cisco 8500L need the following sequence :

Switch#copy usbflash0:cat9k_iosxe.xxxxxxxx.bin bootflash:
Switch#install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.xxxxxxxxxx.bin activate commit

Well, now I see some differences :

In the copy command, flash become bootflash
in the same time, there are no more :
Switch(config)#boot system flash:packages.conf
Switch(config)#no boot manual

So, only two line command are enough for upgrade 8500L ?

If anyone have done the upgrade yet
Whatever suggest is wellcome.

[M02@rt37]

Hello @marzi

The install mode process flow comprises three commands to perform installation and upgrade of software on platforms–install add , install activate , and install commit .

Only one image can be installed in a device that's why you have "only" do that.

[marzi]

Hi M02@rt37

Thanks for your reply,

If I have understood correctly, the command's sequence about three-steps is :

Device#copy usbflash0:c8000.xxxxxxxx.bin bootflash:
!
Device#install add file bootflash:c8000xxxxxxx.bin
Device# install activate (auto-abort-timer starts automatically)
Device#install commit

while the command's sequence about one-steps is :

Device#copy usbflash0:c8000.xxxxxxxx.bin bootflash:
!
Device#install add file bootflash:c8000xxxxxxx.bin activate commit

I've added the copy command just only for complete.

For me now is clear.

If you or anyone want add someting....

Have a nice day guys

[smithy14975]

So does this combo command take care of the ROMMON too?

[Leo Laohoo]

---

@smithy14975 wrote:

So does this combo command take care of the ROMMON too?

---

Please refer the link below -- It is not long and has pictures (for easy reading).  It will answer the question about ROMMON.  

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

[Leo Laohoo]

---

M02@rt37 wrote:
The install mode process flow comprises three commands to perform installation and upgrade of software on platforms–install add , install activate , and install commit .

---

Three commands is an old TAC recommendation.  I have been using the one-shot "install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.xxxxxxxxxx.bin activate commit" as far back as 2016.  Newer firmware versions (GUI) now has the "one-shot" command as an option.

I formulated the one-hit-wonder (because I can stop the switch/router/WLC from rebooting).  This means I can reboot the router/switch/WLC at a time and date of my choosing without, of course, using any other tools (like DNAC). 

[M02@rt37]

Hello @Leo Laohoo,

Thanks for that clarification.

[Leo Laohoo]

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

[paul driver]

Hello
The following sequence would be applicable:

dir usb0:
copy usb0:xxxxxx.bin flash:

verify /md5 flash:xxxxxx.bin

conf t
boot-start-marker
no boot system bootflash:
boot system bootflash:packages.conf
boot-end-marker
exit
wr

install add file flash:xxxxxx.bin activate commit

Once the rtr has reloaded
install remove inactive  to remote unnecessary pkgs.
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