Downgrading Switch C3650 IOS from 16.12.3a (Gibraltar) to 03.07.05E

[Vivek0004]

Hi Team, 
Can anyone help me to understand the process of Downgrading Switch C3650 IOS what will be the steps?  can i directly downgrade ?

[Leo Laohoo]

1. Read the Release Notes very carefully.  
2. Clean up the flash first:  request platform software package clean switch all
3. Copy the BIN file into the switch.
4. Initiate Install Mode:  request platform software package install switch all file flash:IOS_Filename.bin on-reboot new auto-copy verbose
5. Check and make sure the boot variable string is pointing to "packages.conf" file.
6. Check the packages.conf file will boot the correct firmware:  more flash:packages.conf | begin for NOVA
7. Save the config and then reboot. 
8. After the reboot, make sure to clean up the flash again:  request platform software package clean switch all

[Vivek0004]

I Mean Downgrade from 16.12.3a to 03.07.05E  is an intermediate IOS version required?

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

No, you can go direct to 3.X.X.

[Vivek0004]

Thank you  

[balaji.bandi · Accepted solution]

check the downgrade Procedure on IOS XE 16.12.3a to OLD one, make sure you understand any gotchas.

you like to do bundle or install mode- depends on requirement.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3650/software/release/16-12/release_notes/ol-16-12-3650.html

why do you like to downgrade?

[Leo Laohoo]

---

@balaji.bandi wrote:

why do you like to downgrade?

---

I suspect due to stability. 
I would too if I could.  

[Vivek0004]

One of our ASX servers was a having intermitannt connection after an upgrade, 

Now working fine after a downgrade. 

[Mohsin Alam]

Downgrading using BUNDLE mode, i.e just change boot variable to .bin file and later convert to INSTALL mode 
or 

Request platform software package install switch all file flash: ios.bin force new

to downgrade directly in INSTALL mode.

## Make sure to mark post as helpful, If it resolved your issue. ##