Re: Cisco 1811 and Flash Memory

rohded3691 · ‎07-03-2011

I am trying to upgrade my router from 32 megs flash to 128 megs flash (required for newer firmware).

I got bought a memory 128 memory upgrade off EBAY (which turned out to be SANdisk when I got it.

When I remove the existing one (32mb) and replace it with the new one, It gives "no device available"

I have (on a windows machines) formatted it FAT, FAT32, NTFS, EXT2, EXT3 and non allow it to show up.

It works fine on the Windows machines and I can copy files to/from it.

I have tried Formatting it and it goes through the prompts and then no device.

What am I missing here?????

Thanks..

Thotsaphon Lueangwattanaphong · ‎07-03-2011

Hi,

Have you tried format it on the router?

Router#format flash:

Make sure that you backup everything first.

You may want to read this : http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/routers/access/1800/1841/software/configuration/guide/b_cflash.html#wp43026

HTH,

Toshi

rohded3691 · ‎07-03-2011

Yes, as mentioned above, I have tried the format Flash: It does through the prompts and then errors out.

Yes, I have printed out and read that article.

I still have the dilemna.

Thanks for the response.

Any other thoughts?

Thotsaphon Lueangwattanaphong · ‎07-03-2011

Hi,

#####################

Requirements and Restrictions

Cisco 3800 series routers, Cisco 2800 series routers, and Cisco 1800 series routers do not support internal flash memory. Because the system image can be stored only on a CF memory card, you need to have a CF memory card installed to boot the system image.

We recommend that you erase (Class B) or format (Class C) new CF memory cards to initialize them with either a Class B or Class C flash file system. This ensures proper formatting and enables the ROM monitor to recognize and boot the flash memory.

Only CF memory cards purchased from Cisco are supported on these platforms.

#####################

I'm not sure that SanDisk will work for this. You may try to reload the box with this flash and try tftpdnld and then check if it still has a problem then try to format it on router again.

HTH,

Toshi

Leo Laohoo · ‎07-03-2011

Before I begin, let me tell you that all my routers (ISR G1 and a few G2) are using 3rd party CF with sizes of up to 2Gb and they work.

If you want to use 3rd party CF here are a few rule-of-thumb:

1. NOT ALL CFs are supported. Go to your local electronics shop and try them out.

2. Format CFs using the router. If you are using a PC client then format them to FAT16.

3. Cisco TAC WILL NOT SUPPORT you if you have issues with 3rd party CF.

4. I have tried CF of up to 2Gb but some have sworn that 8Gb will also work.

rohded3691 · ‎07-04-2011

Point 1. I have learned this. Obviously SANDISK is not one of them.

Point 2. Agreed. I have formatted them to Fat16 but makes not difference.

Point 3. I understand this. This is normal industry practice.

Point 4. My router is only rated to go up to 128mb. Are you saying I can try a larger one perhaps?

Thanks again for your thoughts.

Leo Laohoo · ‎07-04-2011

Point 4. My router is only rated to go up to 128mb. Are you saying I can try a larger one perhaps?

Surprised? I have Routers and Sup32/Sup720 with third-party CF. All of them has 2Gb. No issues at all. Before I start "deploying" a particular brand, I buy one test it (bash it/mash it) and if I'm happy I buy about 10 at a time.

Take note that I have not tried 2Gb CF on 2690 and 3700-series routers.

Another thing: If you have ISR G1 and G2's notice that some models have USB ports? Guess what? If you upgrade the bootstrap of your routers (excluding 870 ISR G1) to 12.4(13r)T and later ...

Same rules as the CF applies, HOWEVER, for the 1800/2800/3800 routers, the command to boot in USB (both in IOS mode and ROMmon) is HIDDEN.

Hope this picks up your curiousity.

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