Cisco Switch IOS Recovery with XMODEM: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cisco Switch IOS Recovery:

In this post, we will learn how to Recover a Cisco Switch Currupted IOS Using XMODEM.

Prerequisite:

• Console Cable
• Direct Access to the switch
• Windows machine to run the Tera Term software
• Compatible Cisco IOS image for your device

Procedure:

Connect your console cable to the Windows machine and console port of the Cisco switch. This needs to be direct and not via any terminal servers, Open Tera Term and connect to the serial port of the switch. With the switch powered-on you should be presented with the following syntax:

Switch:

Initalize your switches flash by entering the following command. Some switches will already have this enabled and you will be notified of the result once you’ve pressed enter.

flash_init

Before you begin, make sure there are no images already saved in the flash drive and double-check the available storage space.

dir flash:

On the switch, set the baud rate (speed) to transfer the image at high speed.

set BAUD 115200

Now, change the baud rate on Tera Term to match that of the switch. Setup > Serial Port > 115200

copy xmodem: flash:c2960-lanbasek9-mz.122-55.SE12.bin

On Tera Term, transfer the image file by following the steps, navigate to File > Transfer > XMODEM > Send and select the image file; The process may take 30 minutes or more depending on the size of the image. You will have to wait until it gets transferred successfully to your switch.

If you getting any error while sending image, Kindly format the flash using
format flash:
However this will delete your start-up configuration!!!

Once the image has been transferred, change the BAUD rate back on the switch and then Tera Term

unset BAUD 115200

Now set the defult BAUD

set BAUD 9600

Also set the BAUD 9600 in TeraTerm to access the console

lets Boot into your new image.

boot flash:c2960-lanbasek9-mz.122-55.SE12.bin

Once the switch is booted successfully, Save the configuration

write

Conclusion:

After following the above steps, You've brought your Cisco switch back to life. Now it's up and running again.