SET BOOT VARIABLE IN INSTALL MODE - CISCO 9200

[Magesh Kumar]

Hi team,

We've Cisco 9200 catalyst switches in INSTALL MODE, while doing the switch upgrade we are following all the steps given in the Cisco official release note, Example, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst9200/software/release/17-12/release_notes/ol-17-12-9200/upgrading_the_switch_software.html

As per the release note, while upgrading in install mode, we should set a boot variable to flash:packages.conf.

My query is why we should set boot variable to packages.conf every time, because unlike bundle mode (based on version .bin file will change), install mode using same index file i.e. packages.conf for all the boot process irrespective of software versions. Hence, why we should set this boot variable every time?

[Leo Laohoo]

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@Magesh Kumar wrote:
My query is why we should set boot variable to packages.conf every time

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In Install Mode, the boot variable string is set to "packages.conf" once.  Just ONCE. 

In Bundle Mode, the boot variable string is set to the BIN file.  That is a "moving target".  

[DanielP211]

Hello!

In install mode you do not have to setup the packages.conf file. It is done automatically during the install add/activate/commit process. 

BR

[Flavio Miranda]

@Magesh Kumar 

 When you say every time, do you mean, every time you reload the switch?

Are you using the correct Config register?

If that is the problem, you may run this commands

no system ignore startupconfig switch all

config-register 0x102

[Magesh Kumar]

Hi @Flavio Miranda Before running Install mode commands. 

@DanielP211 @Leo Laohoo So, we can skip the "SET BOOT VARIABLE" step? Right? During software upgrade?

[DanielP211]

Yes you can skip it. The boot packages.conf happens automatically with the install process.

BR

[Leo Laohoo]

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@Magesh Kumar wrote:
So, we can skip the "SET BOOT VARIABLE" step? Right? During software upgrade?

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I cannot answer that question without knowing what is there currently.  

Kindly post the complete output to the command "sh boot".

[balaji.bandi · Accepted solution]

As per the release note, while upgrading in install mode, we should set a boot variable to flash:packages.conf.

While upgrading install mode you do need to set packages.conf this automatically updated.

Only you need packages.conf, when moving from bundle to install mode (only) - not always need to touch that file.