Trying to upgrade a 2960 switch and command software is not working

[minfante1]

Switch info:

Switch Ports Model SW Version SW Image
------ ----- ----- ---------- ----------
* 1 28 WS-C2960X-24PS-L 15.2(2)E6 C2960X-UNIVERSALK9-M

The software command appears in the list of commands when i just do a "?", but when trying to use it, it doesn't work

SW_2960X#software install file flash:c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-7.E6.bin new force
                                  ^
% Invalid input detected at '^' marker.

SW_2960X#software i?
% Unrecognized command
SW_2960X#software install ?
% Unrecognized command
SW_2960X#software ?
% Unrecognized command

I have also tried using the command request platform software package install and it does not work either.  Thanks for your help.

[marce1000]

 - That's not the correct command , look for instance here : https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960x/software/15-0_2_EX/file_management/file_management/img_files.html#52969

 M.

[minfante1]

I guess I should have clarified that i already have the iOS file in flash memory, I'm just trying to install it to upgrade this switch.

SW_2960X#dir flash:
Directory of flash:/

2 -rwx 7172 Oct 21 2022 13:56:36 +00:00 config.text
3 -rwx 736 Oct 22 2021 19:49:09 +00:00 vlan.dat
673 -rwx 26777600 Oct 21 2022 13:57:29 +00:00 c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-7.E6.bin
4 -rwx 3096 Oct 21 2022 13:56:36 +00:00 multiple-fs
5 -rwx 2108 Oct 21 2022 13:56:36 +00:00 private-config.text
6 drwx 512 Mar 25 2017 16:13:00 +00:00 c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-2.E6
671 drwx 512 Mar 25 2017 16:13:02 +00:00 dc_profile_dir

122185728 bytes total (68045824 bytes free)
SW_2960X#

[marce1000 · Accepted solution]

 -  - If you have the intended bin file already available in the flash , then set the boot variable accordingly : (config)#boot system flash:c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-7.E6.bin .Save config to startup-config and reload.

 M.

[minfante1]

Thank you, i used this command and switch has now latest version.

[andrew.butterworth]

You should really be using the .tar file to upgrade C2960X switches, rather than just copying the .bin file.

Instructions are here: Catalyst 2960-X Switch Cisco IOS File System and Image Management Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS Release 15.0(2)EX - Working with Image Files [Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series Switches] - Cisco

I think there is a bug in some versions where the process hangs or takes ages to complete and its better the copy the .tar file 1st and use the local flash as the location of the image rather than a remote server (archive download-sw flash:xxxxx rather than archive download-sw ftp://xxxxxx).

Andy

[minfante1]

i will look into this for my next switch upgrade, i have several to do !

Thank you.