Catalyst 2960 Series without flash how to restore it

[suntchi56]

I downloaded this firmware c2960-lanlitek9-mz.122-55.SE12, (it seem to be the only one available) but I can't upload it via xmodem.
I am using TeraTerm with console cable and I have set the speed to 9600N81, but when I try to send the file after
sent this command via console.
switch: copy xmodem: flash:c2960-lanlitek9-mz.122-55.SE12.bin
Begin the Xmodem or Xmodem-1K transfer now...
C
The answer is this
flash:c2960-lanlitek9-mz.122-55.SE12.bin: invalid argument
I honestly don't know what else to do.

[M02@rt37]

Hello @suntchi56,

Confirm that the firmware file is located in the correct directory or folder on your local machine. You might need to specify the full file path if it's not in the current directory.

[suntchi56]

Hi, many tnx for you answer, i put the file, first in desktop then in c:\
but i get the same result.

[MHM Cisco World]

(9) Cisco IOS Image Recovery via xMODEM - YouTube

[suntchi56]

Hi i tried also using SecureCRT but no way to solve

[suntchi56]

I tried and was able to download the software (I had to initialize the
flash before downloading), unfortunately it tells me that it is not
suitable for my switch:
Can anyone help me
switch: set
CLEI_CODE_NUMBER=COMFT00BRA
MAC_ADDR=30:37:A6:3F:0A:00
MANUAL_BOOT=no
MODEL_NUM=WS-C2960-24TC-L
MODEL_REVISION_NUM=J0
MOTHERBOARD_ASSEMBLY_NUM=73-11437-07
MOTHERBOARD_REVISION_NUM=B0
MOTHERBOARD_SERIAL_NUM=FOC14044XS1
POWER_SUPPLY_PART_NUM=341-0097-02
POWER_SUPPLY_SERIAL_NUM=AZS140201LC
SDM_TEMPLATE_ID=0
SWITCH_PRIORITY=1
SYSTEM_SERIAL_NUM=FOC1404V4PK
TAN_NUM=800-29826-03
TAN_REVISION_NUMBER=E0

VERSION_ID=V06

This is my product.

Following the result:

File "flash:/c2960-lanlitek9-mz.122-55.SE12.bin" uncompressed and
installed, entry point: 0x3000
executing...

              Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted
Rights clause at FAR sec. 52.227-19 and subparagraph
(c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer
Software clause at DFARS sec. 252.227-7013.

           cisco Systems, Inc.
           170 West Tasman Drive
           San Jose, California 95134-1706



Cisco IOS Software, C2960 Software (C2960-LANLITEK9-M), Version
12.2(55)SE12, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2017 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 28-Sep-17 02:53 by prod_rel_team
Image text-base: 0x00003000, data-base: 0x01400000

Initializing flashfs...

fsck: Disable shadow buffering due to heap fragmentation.
flashfs[1]: 1 files, 1 directories
flashfs[1]: 0 orphaned files, 0 orphaned directories
flashfs[1]: Total bytes: 32514048
flashfs[1]: Bytes used: 8109056
flashfs[1]: Bytes available: 24404992
flashfs[1]: flashfs fsck took 2 seconds.
flashfs[1]: Initialization complete....done Initializing flashfs.

Checking for Bootloader upgrade.. not needed
Error: *** Unsupported platforms ***
Error: hardware not supported by firmware.
       Try loading newer software instead.
       System Resetting..

[M02@rt37]

Hello @suntchi56,

This error typically occurs when there is a mismatch between the hardware platform and the firmware version. It's possible that the firmware you downloaded is not compatible with your specific model or version of the Cisco device.

To resolve this issue, you should verify the compatibility of the firmware with your hardware platform. Make sure to download the correct firmware version specifically designed for your Cisco Catalyst switch model and hardware revision.

As concerned your Switch model WS-C2960-24TC-L, this firmware should be the good one:

c2960-lanbasek9-mz.122-55.SE12.bin

https://software.cisco.com/download/home

Also, make sure that your firmware is downloaded from Cisco Download Web site.

[Rich R]

https://software.cisco.com/download/home/279963375/type/280805680/release/12.2.55-SE12
or
https://software.cisco.com/download/home/279963375/type/280805680/release/15.0.2-SE11

[suntchi56]

Many thanks to all.
I managed to install the correct firmware, unfortunately without knowing how to proceed, given the rush to solve the problem, I replied via email but I saw that not all my answers arrived.
My difficulties were as follows:
- I struggled to find the correct firmware but following your directions I was able to find it.
- I had difficulty downloading via xmodem, despite having followed the instructions you gave me.
Unfortunately some passages (obvious to the more experienced) were difficult to guess.
For example, the flash initialization step with the flash_init command is missing from many movies I've seen.
And without this command the firmware can't be loaded (at least I think).
But despite these small problems I was able to reinstall the correct firmware, so I thank all the community.
You solved a big problem for me.
Thank you.