4500 IOS update

[Bab L]

Hi.

I have uploaded the new image on our 4500 switch and also have added the boot system command to boot the new switch.

The new image is not getting used though by the switch.

The show boot shows:

switch# sh boot
BOOT variable = cat4500es8-universalk9.SPA.03.09.01.E.152-5.E1.bin,1;
CONFIG_FILE variable does not exist
BOOTLDR variable does not exist
Configuration register is 0x2101

Standby BOOT variable = cat4500es8-universalk9.SPA.03.09.01.E.152-5.E1.bin,1;
Standby CONFIG_FILE variable does not exist
Standby BOOTLDR variable does not exist
Standby Configuration register is 0x2101

The dir shows:

switch#dir
Directory of bootflash:/

64898 drwx 4096 Sep 28 2015 09:07:00 +10:00 virtual-instance
64900 drwx 4096 Sep 28 2015 09:07:00 +10:00 virtual-instance-stby-sync
64902 -rw- 215734052 Sep 28 2015 09:46:25 +10:00 cat4500es8-universal.SPA.03.07.02.E.152-3.E2.bin
64903 -rw- 8022 Nov 2 2016 00:42:08 +11:00 startup-config.converted_vs-20161101-134208
64904 -rw- 8022 Nov 2 2016 00:50:16 +11:00 startup-config.saved_vs-20161101-135016
81121 drwx 4096 Nov 2 2016 05:30:33 +11:00 onep
64905 -rw- 518414972 Jan 31 2017 16:00:34 +11:00 cat4500es8-universalk9.SPA.03.09.01.E.152-5.E1.bin
64906 -rw- 518414972 Jan 31 2017 16:02:44 +11:00 slaveflash
64908 -rw- 1903552 Jan 31 2017 16:46:43 +11:00 slavebootflash

1700155392 bytes total (441765888 bytes free)

Is there something that I'm missing?

Thank you

[Julio E. Moisa]

I am not sure if it is the situation, but I suggest first, execute:

No boot system bootflash:<the old IOS>

then 

boot system bootflash:<the new IOS>

and then

save the config with write command. 

On some devices if you don't save the config it will not take effect. Also I dont remember if this devices use the register 0x2102. 

[Bab L]

Hi Julio,

Thanks for your reply  

im a bit concerned due to the Config_File and Boot_Ldr being empty. 

I don't want to lose any config by removing the old boot. 

Im really stuck and Cisco docs are not cery clear on updating the IOS. Didn't expect to be that complicated. 

[Julio E. Moisa]

Hi, I understand, 

Actually you will not lose your configuration if you change the image. The running config is saved in RAM y startup config is saved in NVRAM. I have executed the command show bootvar on my cisco 4948 and it is showed. If you are going to upgrade with the correct image you will not have any inconvenience.

BOOT variable = bootflash:cat4500-xxxxx.bin,1;
CONFIG_FILE variable does not exist
BOOTLDR variable does not exist
Configuration register is 0x2102

What is your model?

Also you could open a ticket with Cisco TAC. 

:-)

[Bab L]

Thanks Julio.

The only differnt in mine is the config register which is 0x2101.

How do I change that to 0x2102?

Model is: cisco WS-C4503-E 

[Julio E. Moisa · Accepted solution]

thanks,

conf t
config-register 0x2102, but you have to verify the Cisco documents before to change it, in order to avoid inconveniences after the reboot. 

Please check this link:

https://supportforums.cisco.com/discussion/12197396/how-upgrade-ios-ws-c4506-e-switch

I have verified the bootvar on a 6500 and it displayed the same:

BOOT variable = sup-bootdisk:s72033-xxxx.bin,12;
CONFIG_FILE variable does not exist
BOOTLDR variable does not exist
Configuration register is 0x2102

[Bab L]

Changed to 0x2102 and now we 've lost connection to switch.

I'm assuming I will need to put it back to 0x2101 to work again?

New IOS though doesn't boot up at all.

[Julio E. Moisa]

Hi,

Yeap, you have to set up it back 0x2101, did you upgrade with the compatible image?

Use this command line:

rommon1> confreg 0x2101
rommon2> reset

Check this link: 

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst4500/12-2/31sga/configuration/guide/config/rommon.html#wp1013959

If you are on rommon, and the previous image is there, try to boot with that

rommon 1 >dir bootflash:

rommon 2 >boot bootflash:cat4000-is-mz.121-11b.EW   this is a example

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/switches/catalyst-4000-series-switches/24061-149.html

Please keep me posted. Thanks

[Bab L]

Thanks.

Can only load the old image. 

When trying to load new image get the error: Invalid filename cat4500es8-universalk9.SPA.03.09.01.E.152-5.E1.bin. It must begin with device name.

The it just keeps rebooting unitl I log in to rommon and boot old image. All solutions founded on internet do not work so far.

[Julio E. Moisa · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes you can load the old image.

Well, be sure if that new image is compatible with your device otherwise delete it.

In order to set up the old image execute the command:

conf t
no boot system bootflash:the new image

then

boot system bootflash:the old image

then

save the config with: write 

and again you can verify the bootvar

show bootvar

[Mosasa]

I think 0x2101 is the default configuration register. As per this: Catalyst 4500 Series Switch Software Configuration Guide, Release IOS XE 3.4.xSG and IOS 15.1(2)SGx - Configuring the Switch for the First Time [Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switches] - Cisco

(I know old thread, but for anyone in the future you can use this for reference!)