Trouble with copying FW to 2960X

[mkono87]

We have a few 2960x that do not seem to boot either to a failed firmware or no firmware at all and enters the boot prompt. We have been trying to copy our firmware to these devices without much success. I tried a USB stick in which I formatted with a spare 1900 router I had and was able to copy fw back and forth. On the 2960, it says the usb in unreadable/corrupt.

We normally use tftp to copy files when the switch is operational, but it doesn't seem I can get that to work in the boot prompt. What would be the best way to the fw copied over to the switches?

[marce1000]

 - FYI : https://community.cisco.com/t5/other-network-architecture-subjects/upload-a-new-ios-inside-the-flash-drive/m-p/2754062#M191155

 M.

[Richard Burts]

I am not sure if it is significant that the article suggested by @marce1000 is loading an image to a router and you are loading to switches. But the comments in that article about characteristics of acceptable USB may be helpful.

If you are at the boot prompt I suggest that you see if the tftpdnld command is available. If so then you just set the needed variables and then use the command to have tftp transfer the image from the source tftp server/PC to your switch.

[mkono87]

I could be wrong I believe it read in the past it wasnt supported on 2960s but perhaps in Rommon? Il look into it further when I have a chance.

[Leo Laohoo]

Find another brand of USB thumb drive.

[mkono87 · Accepted solution]

So after searching and searching for a small enough usb stick, we found an old 128mb usb stick used for promo, formated it and use it on the switches and we finally got it to work. I dont think cisco devices like partitioned usb drives.

[Leo Laohoo]

Currently using Toshiba- and PNY branded USB flash drives: 

1. PNY x760W (64 Gb)
2. PNY v150w (64 Gb)
3. Toshiba SA03 (16 Gb)

I consistently find Toshiba-branded very useful and been testing the HP-brand (PNY OEM).  Toshiba-branded have very good write speed while the PNY/HP-branded flash drives' write speeds are a test of once's patience.  

[mkono87]

Good to know you can in fact use larger usb sticks. To be clear the format still needs to be fat16 correct?

[Leo Laohoo]

Any USB flash drives (to be) used in Cisco routers, switches & WLC (not playing with ASA/FTD) must be formatted to FAT16.

I have an ashtray filled with these USB flash drives.  All staff take one with them during installation and troubleshooting.