2960-x boot fail after "reload" command

[fpelliccione]

I have this brand new switch (not in stack). First run ok, configured some basics and the issued the "reload" command. At the boot I have "boot failed". If I unplug the power cord and then reconnect the switch boot normally.

Tried to upgrade to 15.0.2-EX5 with the same issue, also on 15.2.2-E3 and 15.2.2-E4.

I used this command:

archive download-sw /overwrite tftp://192.168.1.200/c2960x-universalk9-tar.150-2a.EX5.tar

with this output after the extraction:

Warning: Unable to allocate memory to display the tar extraction of files,
         however upgrade process is still continuing. If you would like to
         see the tar extraction output, try upgrading one switch at a time.

Installing (renaming): `flash:update/c2960x-universalk9-mz.150-2a.EX5' ->
                                       `flash:/c2960x-universalk9-mz.150-2a.EX5'
New software image installed in flash:/c2960x-universalk9-mz.150-2a.EX5



Deleting old files from dc profile dir "flash:/dc_profile_dir"

extracting dc profile file from "flash:/c2960x-universalk9-mz.150-2a.EX5/dc_default_profiles.txt" to "flash:/dc_profile_dir/dc_default_profiles.txt"
All software images installed.

OFFICE#sh boot
BOOT path-list      : flash:/c2960x-universalk9-mz.150-2a.EX5/c2960x-universalk9-mz.150-2a.EX5.bin
Config file         : flash:/config.text
Private Config file : flash:/private-config.text
Enable Break        : yes
Manual Boot         : no
HELPER path-list    :
Auto upgrade        : yes
Auto upgrade path   :
NVRAM/Config file
      buffer size:   524288
Timeout for Config
          Download:    0 seconds
Config Download
       via DHCP:       disabled (next boot: disabled)

[Leo Laohoo]

If I unplug the power cord and then reconnect the switch boot normally.

This is a known hardware & software bug with the 2960X.  The only way to upgrade from the interim EX IOS version is to perform a hard reboot by killing the power.  

Currently have a TAC Case with them.

[fpelliccione]

Good to know.... let me know if they solve the problem.

Thank you.

[Leo Laohoo]

let me know if they solve the problem.

The problem isn't going to get solved.  

It's Cisco Bug ID CSCur56395.   

According to TAC, the "workaround" is a one-off:  Instead of using the "reload" command, the switch &/or stack needs a complete POWER RESET. 

[Larry Craig]

I was unaware of this bug and I did some basic configuration this morning. Then issued the reload command. The switch immediately responded with the BOOT FAIL message repeating down my screen.  I have attempted a hard boot by removing power, as well as holding the mode button. The only thing I ever seen on the screen is the BOOT FAIL message.

Looking for advice so I can get this switch staged and configured, or returned to Cisco. 

Thanks

[Leo Laohoo]

Console and reload the switch/stack.  I want to see if this is the same symptom or not.

[Larry Craig]

This is all that ever shows on the screen, ever.

[Leo Laohoo]

Larry, 

The screenshot didn't provide any useful information.  

Console and reload the switch/stack.  I want to see the process & the error messages that will appear.

[Larry Craig]

Cisco processed an RMA due to a "known issue with NVRAM".  I wish there was a way to find out what serials are effected.

[Reza Sharifi]

Return the switch and get a different type (3650).

[aeccles]

Does anyone know if this issue was ever resolved?  I just tried tried to update 2 old switches and now they don't boot.  The console output give this, then just sits there:

CPU rev: B
Image passed digital signature verification
Board rev: 5
Testing DataBus...
Testing AddressBus...
Testing Memory from 0x00000000 to 0x1fffffff.../

[deczcool]

The problem is still with us with the newer IOS in 2022 so I think because it is a hardware issue, it is not fixed so far and it will never be. The good side of this problem is that it only effects the switch if you issue the reload command what is very rare. The only thing you have to keep in mind that if you want to get the device rebooted, you have to power cycle it otherwise you will temporarily brick it.