Switch 3850 stacks upgrade BOOT FAIL

[jacob.mmchan]

Hi R&S Experts,

I had fail to upgrade the C3850 switch and got the looping BOOT FAIL once power on.

I am sure couldn't enter rommon mode.

Any method to make it work back? I have the same of working C3850 switch? Can I clone the flash from normal C3850 to failed C3850?

<Keep on loop the BOOT FAIL>

BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL
BOOT FAIL

[balaji.bandi]

Turn off the device :  ( turn on the device post complete console output for us to understand the issue)

what was the version before upgrade, what is target version you are trying to upgrade

alternatively Follow below thread :

https://community.cisco.com/t5/switching/switch-3850-stacks-upgrade-failed-and-stuck-in-boot-fail-loop/td-p/4106828

recovery :

https://community.cisco.com/t5/networking-documents/recovering-from-a-3850-boot-failure/ta-p/3136638

[jacob.mmchan]

- 03.02.03.SE upgrade to 16.12.05b, using cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.12.05b.SPA.bin

- I searched the forum and youtube, that have same of issue:

https://community.cisco.com/t5/switching/switch-3850-stacks-upgrade-failed-and-stuck-in-boot-fail-loop/td-p/4106828

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBtY_CSVNRo

Most of result need ask for RMA.

(I really want to make the recovery by myself)

[balaji.bandi]

Sure when you done the upgrade, it was bundle or install mode (same question asked by @Leo Laohoo 

[Leo Laohoo]

Was the switch trying to boot 3.6.X and earlier/older?

[jacob.mmchan]

03.02.03.SE upgrade to 16.12.05b, using cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.12.05b.SPA.bin

[Leo Laohoo]

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@jacob.mmchan wrote:

using cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.12.05b.SPA.bin

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Upgrading using Bundle Mode?

[jacob.mmchan]

install mode

my upgrade command is: software install file flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.12.05b.SPA.bin

1. need 'new force'?

2. need upgrade to 03.06.05E 1st > then to 16 version? cannot upgrade from 03.02.03 directly?

[Leo Laohoo]

Direct upgrade from 3.2.X to 16.12.X is possible but I have never seen a behaviour like this before.

Console into the switch and reboot.  I want to see the top bit.

[jacob.mmchan]

exactly is the same of youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBtY_CSVNRo

Once power on, the console is looping BOOT FAIL ...

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

RMA the switch.

[jacob.mmchan]

Any method to recovery it by myself? can clone the other normal C3850 switch?

[Leo Laohoo]

Can really "recover" anything if the no one can even jump into ROMMON. 

[jacob.mmchan]

so Cisco manufacture have the maintenance door for the recovery? 

[Leo Laohoo]

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@jacob.mmchan wrote:

so Cisco manufacture have the maintenance door for the recovery? 

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Why the reluctance to RMA the switch? 

3850 is covered under Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty at no extra cost to the operator.