Firmware upgrade on WS-C2960CG-8TC-L

[mimu88]

Hello.

My WS-C2960CG-8TC-L is running on 12.2(55r)EX11 and I would like to perform a firmware upgrade. I'm using the command "archive download-sw /reload" , but the switch says "Error: The image in the archive which would be used to upgrade Error: system number 1 does not support that system type."

I read that I should use the option "/allow-feature-upgrade", but this option is not available on the switch:

archive download-sw /allow-feature-upgrade
^
% Invalid input detected at '^' marker.

Does anyone know how to upgrade? Thanks.

[Flavio Miranda]

@mimu88 

Make sure you are on the right prompt. You need to be in enable mode #

The command below consider your new IOS is on a TFTP server but you can use exclamation mark after /reload to see the other option. 

Switch# archive download-sw /overwrite /reload tftp:[[//location]/directory]/image-name.tar

[mimu88]

Hello Flavio.

Thank you for the answer.

Here some more code:

Switch#archive download-sw /overwrite /reload tftp://10.10.10.222/c2960c405-universalk9-tar.152-7.E11.tar
Loading c2960c405-universalk9-tar.152-7.E11.tar from 10.10.10.222 (via Vlan1): !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[OK - 33105920 bytes]

Loading c2960c405-universalk9-tar.152-7.E11.tar from 10.10.10.222 (via Vlan1): !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
examining image...
extracting info (114 bytes)
extracting c2960c405-universalk9-mz.152-7.E11/info (421 bytes)
extracting info (114 bytes)

System Type: 0x00000000
Ios Image File Size: 0x0115AA00
Total Image File Size: 0x01F92A00
Minimum Dram required: 0x04000000
Image Suffix: universalk9-152-7.E11
Image Directory: c2960c405-universalk9-mz.152-7.E11
Image Name: c2960c405-universalk9-mz.152-7.E11.bin
Image Feature: IP|LAYER_2|SSH|3DES|MIN_DRAM_MEG=64

Error: The image in the archive which would be used to upgrade
Error: system number 1 does not support that system type.

[Flavio Miranda]

Got it. Seems to be a known issue. Try with

archive download-sw /overwrite /allow-feature-upgrade tftp://10.10.10.222/c2960c405-universalk9-tar.152-7.E11.tar

[mimu88]

That's the problem, there is no allow-feature-upgrade:

% Invalid input detected at '^' marker.

[Flavio Miranda]

@mimu88 interesting because this command is actually on the release note.

Release Notes for Catalyst 2960-C and 2960-Plus Switches, Cisco IOS Release 15.2(7)Ex

On this case, I think you need to get another IOS. The problem is related to be installing an IP base IOS in a Lan Base switch. The command allow-feature-upgrade should fix it but it is not working maybe due the IOS current version. 

c2960-lanbasek9-tar.152-7.E.tar

[mimu88]

Thank you.

Is there i website where I can find an intermediate version (between the actual 15.2(7e) and my 12.2(55r)EX11)? I think I have to make a smaller step upgrade first?

[Flavio Miranda]

Maybe forum related to emulator like GNS3 or EVE. 

[Leo Laohoo]

---

@mimu88 wrote:
Error: The image in the archive which would be used to upgrade system number 1 does not support that system type.

---

Post the complete output to the following commands: 

sh version
dir

[mimu88]

Hello Leo.

This is the output:

Switcht#sh version
Cisco IOS Software, C2960C Software (C2960c405ex-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 12.2(55 )EX2, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2011 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 18-May-11 14:42 by prod_rel_team
Image text-base: 0x00003000, data-base: 0x01B00000

ROM: Bootstrap program is C2960C boot loader
BOOTLDR: C2960C Boot Loader (C2960C-HBOOT-M) Version 12.2(55r)EX11, RELEASE SOFT WARE (fc1)

SwitchEvent uptime is 1 hour, 0 minutes
System returned to ROM by power-on
System image file is "flash:/c2960c405ex-universalk9-mz.122-55.EX2/c2960c405ex-u niversalk9-mz.122-55.EX2.bin"

This product contains cryptographic features and is subject to United States and local country laws governing import, export, transfer and use. Delivery of Cisco cryptographic products does not imply third-party authority to import, export, distribute or use encryption. Importers, exporters, distributors and users are responsible for compliance with U.S. and local country laws. By using this product you agree to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If you are unable to comply with U.S. and local laws, return this product immediately.

A summary of U.S. laws governing Cisco cryptographic products may be found at:
http://www.cisco.com/wwl/export/crypto/tool/stqrg.html

If you require further assistance please contact us by sending email to export@cisco.com.

License Level: lanbase
License Type: Permanent
Next reload license Level: lanbase

cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L (PowerPC) processor (revision E0) with 131072K bytes of m emory.
Processor board ID FOC1806Y4FP
Last reset from power-on
1 Virtual Ethernet interface
10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
The password-recovery mechanism is enabled.

512K bytes of flash-simulated non-volatile configuration memory.
Base ethernet MAC Address : 2C:3E:CF:XX:XX:XX
Motherboard assembly number : 73-XXXXX-XX
Power supply part number : 341-XXXXXX
Motherboard serial number : FOCXXXXXX
Power supply serial number : LIT18XXXXXXX
Model revision number : E0
Motherboard revision number : A0
Model number : WS-C2960CG-8TC-L
System serial number : FOC18XXXXXX
Top Assembly Part Number : 800-3XXXXXX
Top Assembly Revision Number : B0
Version ID : V03
CLEI Code Number : CMMDJXXXX
Hardware Board Revision Number : 0x00

Switch Ports Model SW Version SW Image
------ ----- ----- ---------- ----------
* 1 10 WS-C2960CG-8TC-L 12.2(55)EX2 C2960c405ex-UNIVERSALK9-M

Configuration register is 0xF

Switch#dir
Directory of flash:/

4 -rwx 1376 Mar 1 1993 00:01:38 +00:00 config.text
2 -rwx 3825 Mar 1 1993 00:01:38 +00:00 private-config.text
3 -rwx 3096 Mar 1 1993 00:01:38 +00:00 multiple-fs
5 drwx 512 Mar 1 1993 00:28:11 +00:00 c2960c405ex-universalk9-mz .122-55.EX2

57931776 bytes total (42541056 bytes free)

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

Ok, so look at the existing IOS filename.  It starts with "c2960c405ex".  

Now compare the file downloaded.  Look at the prefix:  c2960c405

The two files are totally different and meant for two different platform. 

Unfortunately, IOS files for the 2960CG (prefix c2960c405ex) has been removed from public access the day after end-of-support date.  

However, someone has posted links to 15.2(2)E9:  https://community.cisco.com/t5/switching/searching-for-latest-download-for-ws-c2960cg-8tc-l/td-p/4995718

[Rich R]

You're trying to install the wrong software image. Your WS-C2960CG-8TC-L is running a c2960c405ex image.
The image you're trying to install is a c2960c405 image which doesn't support that switch model.
The WS-C2960CG-8TC-L went end of support 3 years ago so Cisco has removed all the software from the download pages.
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-3560-c-series-switches/eos-eol-notice-c51-736180.html
You have probably downloaded the software for another model hoping that it would work on yours?
The release notes Flavio referred to don't mention this switch model or the ex image.

Refer to https://community.cisco.com/t5/switching/searching-for-latest-download-for-ws-c2960cg-8tc-l/td-p/4995718

[mimu88]

Thank you very much, it worked with the firmware from the forum.