Upgrade Failure on 3650 "failed to create candidate tree"

[Skroo]

I've got some 3650's on old code I need to get updated.

3650-1#sho ver
Cisco IOS Software, IOS-XE Software, Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT3K_CAA-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 03.06.02aE RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)

trying to install cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.09.06.SPA.bin

3650-1#software install file flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.09.06.SPA.bin
Preparing install operation ...
[1]: Starting install operation
[1]: Expanding bundle flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.09.06.SPA.bin
[1]: Copying package files
[1]: Package files copied
[1]: Finished expanding bundle flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.09.06.SPA.bin
[1]: Verifying and copying expanded package files to flash:
[1]: Verified and copied expanded package files to flash:
[1]: % Failed to create candidate tree. Operation aborted.
[1]: % An internal error was encountered. Operation aborted.

If I attempt to re-run, I don't have enough space on flash: so I need to delete the expanded files first which appear to be:

61955 -rw- 19862144 Jan 27 2021 09:49:55 -05:00 cat3k_caa-guestshell.16.09.06.SPA.pkg
61956 -rw- 30872219 Jan 27 2021 09:49:56 -05:00 cat3k_caa-rpbase.16.09.06.SPA.pkg
61957 -rw- 373863032 Jan 27 2021 09:50:13 -05:00 cat3k_caa-rpcore.16.09.06.SPA.pkg

I don't think I want to do this in bundle mode until I confirm there isn't something else wrong.

[marce1000]

 - Check if these threads can help :

                  https://community.cisco.com/t5/switching/3850-iso-upgrade-failed-to-create-candidate-tree-operation/td-p/2759448

                  https://community.cisco.com/t5/switching/3650-firmware-upgrade-problem/td-p/3741815

  M.

[Georg Pauwen · Accepted solution]

Hello,

I remember a similar problem from a few years ago. Try and add the 'new force' keyword:

3650-1#software install file flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.09.06.SPA.bin new force

[Skroo]

Thanks! That did it.