C9800-L no package.conf file

[olivier vigeant]

Hi,

some colleagues have setup 2 C9800-L in HA. Having a look at it, I saw they are still in bundle mode. So I wanted to move them to Install mode following the procedure (install add ...), but there is no package.conf in flash to set the boot. How can I solve this ?

[Leo Laohoo]

Use the GUI of the controller to upgrade in Install Mode.

[olivier vigeant]

Hi Leo,

will this create the package.conf need for the WLC to boot correctly after upgrade ? I don't want my WLCs to go to rommon.

Here is the current show boot

LAB-WLC-MAS#show boot
BOOT variable =
CONFIG_FILE variable =
BOOTLDR variable does not exist
Configuration register is 0x102

Standby BOOT variable =
Standby CONFIG_FILE variable =
Standby BOOTLDR variable does not exist
Standby Configuration register is 0x102
LAB-WLC-MAS#

[marce1000]

 - You can always check the content of bootflash with dir bootflash: and check for presence of packages.conf  , also checkout : https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/217050-convert-installation-mode-between-instal.html , if asserted as completed then you can :
   

9800-40(config)#no boot system 
9800-40(config)#do write
9800-40(config)#boot system bootflash:packages.conf
9800-40(config)#do write

                               (e.g.) Then echo verify your intended setting(s) with : 

9800-40# show boot 

  - Whilst your at it you can also review the active controller configuration with  (CLI) show tech wireless , have it analyzed by https://cway.cisco.com/wireless-config-analyzer/ (very useful!)

 M.
                

[Leo Laohoo]

conf t
 boot system flash bootflash:packages.conf
 config-registry 0x2102
end
wr

And then use the GUI to convert into Install Mode.

[olivier vigeant]

Thanks, but my main problem is that I don't have package.conf in return of dir bootflash: , so this is what I get if I try to set the boot command with package.conf

LAB-WLC-MAS#conf t
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
LAB-WLC-MAS(config)#no boot system
LAB-WLC-MAS(config)#do write
Building configuration...
[OK]
LAB-WLC-MAS(config)#boot system bootflash:packages.conf
%Error parsing bootflash:/packages.conf (No such file or directory)
LAB-WLC-MAS(config)#

Will "package.conf" be created if I convert to Install Mode (either GUI or CLI) ?

If not, how can I have it created before convertion ?

[Rich R · Accepted solution]

Yes the install creates the .conf file.  There were some bugs on older IOS with it not always being done properly but as long as you're using a new IOS as per TAC recommended below it should be fine.  But me and many others here would recommend avoiding using ISSU - then you are n times more likely to encounter weird and wonderful (=tricky to resolve) problems - the install script is a bit flaky.

Generally speaking you should never be creating the .conf file.  On occasion you might find a need to copy from a version named file (interim stage in the install process)  but it's quite sensitive to the contents being exactly right so best not to edit the file at all.

[olivier vigeant]

Hi Rich,

thanks, I'll go for it then. I'll let you know the result.

[olivier vigeant]

Worked perfectly, both WLCs from the HA cluster were upgraded at once, and moved to Install mode.. I already knew the command "install add ..." but was not sure about the package.conf creation, I'll keep note of this. 

Thanks to all of you for your help.

[eisaza2]

@olivier vigeant ,  I'm facing the same problem and finally I do not see the solution, can you help on it ??

[Leo Laohoo]

@eisaza2

What, exactly, are you trying to do?

[eisaza2]

@Leo Laohoo , thanks for reply, I needed to pass from bundle to Install mode, but I already did it.

[Rich R]

1. Make sure you're using the latest TAC recommended software version as per the link below - currently that is 17.9.4 + SMU_CSCwh87343 + APSP (as needed) OR 17.9.4a + APSP(as needed) for all deployments.

2. Follow the instructions: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/9800/17-9/config-guide/b_wl_17_9_cg/m_upgrade_9800cl.html

Make sure you've upgraded to the latest ROMMON and firmware too otherwise the latest software may not work:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/9800/config-guide/b_upgrade_fpga_c9800.html

Remember to follow the correct upgrade path:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/9800/17-9/release-notes/rn-17-9-9800.html#Cisco_Concept.dita_59a2987f-2633-4630-8c7b-a8e8aecdeaf7

If you're on very old software and the install script is failing it may be better to upgrade in bundle mode first and then convert to install mode.