Cisco 5508 Wireless Controller can't get an image

[Erti14]

Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller

Model 5508

When I connect to the device via putty, I am prompted to choose one of the following options:

1. Run primary image (Image not found) - Active
2. Run backup image (Image not found)
3. Change active boot image
4. Clear configuration
5. Format FLASH Drive
6. Manually update images

I have the image (.aes file) in my laptop and have transferred it to the wlc via tftp. Regardless the image is still not found, and I get the following message:

Loading primary image (Image not found)

** Unable to read “linux.pri.img” from ide 0:2 **

** Launch failure **

Loading backup image (Image not found)

** Unable to read “linux.bak.img” from ide 0:2 **

** Launch failure **

Is there a way I can fix this or is the device corrupt or missing parts?

[jadesmoreira · Accepted solution]

Probably you gonna hit a TAC case or even RMA. In the past I saw some cases like that and the solution was a RMA. Even uploading the image file the WLC is unable to read it.

[marce1000 · Accepted solution]

  - The controller is bricked and can not be recovered (RMA)

  M.

[Leo Laohoo]

Pop the controller lid and see if there are any empty memory or CF slots.  

[Rich R · Accepted solution]

You cannot restore the WLC .aes image to blank flash.

Only a WLC already booted and running AireOS can extract the .aes file and install the relevant AireOS images to flash.
Only Cisco TAC has access to the raw images to restore a blank flash and normally will not release that to customers so it normally means RMA if flash has been corrupted or formatted.
But 5508 is End of Support so TAC are likely to refuse to help.  Your best best is to find a working second hand 5508 or upgrade to currently supported technology.
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/5500-series-wireless-controllers/eos-eol-notice-c51-740221.html