Downloading Software

Downloading Software

The default image for Cisco 761, Cisco 765, Cisco 771, and Cisco 775 routers is NET3, IR. The default image for all other Cisco 700 series routers is US. Usually the software loaded in your router at the factory is the most up-to-date version available. You might want to update the image if

•The default image is not the correct image for your area.

•A new version of the image has been released.

•Another version of the image contains features you desire.

The following example loads the operating system software in the router through a serial connection from the terminal to the configuration port.

Table B-2 shows the approximate software load times.

Table B-2 Approximate Software Load Time

Load Rate (Baud)	Approximate Time (Minutes)
2400	48
9600	12
19200	6
38400	3
57600	2
115200	1

To load new software, follow these steps:

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Step 1 Connect to the router as described in the "Establishing a Terminal Connection" section.

Step 2 Enter the swl (software load) command:

Host> swl

You are prompted to verify that you intend to download the software image.

Step 3 Enter y to continue:

Are you sure? y

You are prompted to select the baud rate.

BOOT version 2.0(1) 04-16-96 12:03:06

Copyright (c) 1993-1996. All rights reserved.

Ready to upload new firmware into flash. Select baud rate:

    1 -    300 baud

    2 -   1200 baud

    3 -   2400 baud

    4 -   4800 baud

    5 -   9600 baud

    6 -  19200 baud

    7 -  38400 baud

    8 -  57600 baud

    9 - 115200 baud

Step 4 Enter 5.

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Note Hyperterminal does not allow you to change baud rate on-the-fly; however, if you are using another terminal emulation software, you might be able to do so to increase the speed of the download.

To change the baud rate, enter the number that corresponds to the desired baud rate. Do not press the Return key. Set the baud rate on the terminal to match the selected baud rate. Set the protocol to ASCII on the terminal. Press Return.

Download the file containing the new software to the router by following the prompts on your terminal.

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Step 5 Select Transfer>Send text file. The system loads the file on the router. (The LINE LED blinks throughout the loading process.)

When the download is complete, the LINE LED turns off, and the RDY LED turns on.

Troubleshooting Software Downloads

If the download was not successful, use Table B-3, which shows symptoms and possible solutions.

Table B-3 Software Download Command Troubleshooting

Symptom	Probable Cause and Solution
Download takes significantly longer than the approximate time listed in Table B-2.	The terminal emulation program interline and intercharacter delays are not set to zero. If the load was successful, no further action is necessary. If the load was terminated prematurely, reset the interline and intercharacter delays to zero, and reload the software.
The terminal displays unrecognizable text after the download is completed.	The terminal has not been reset to 9600 baud. Reset the terminal any time after loading the new software. After changing the terminal baud rate, press Return to display the prompt (>).
Two or more LEDs are blinking.	Incorrect configuration of the PC COM port or a defective console cable. Press Esc and try to load the software again.

A combination of blinking LEDs indicates a software download problem. An error code is also displayed on the terminal.

lists the combination of blinking LEDs that indicate an error, along with the error code and a description of the error.

Table B-4 LED Error Messages—Software Download

Blinking LED	Error Code	Description of Error
Line CH 2	E-1	A framing, parity, or overflow error occurred during software download, usually because of an incorrect data rate or configuration port setting. Check the data rate and configuration port settings.
CH 1	E-2	A colon was not at the beginning of a line in the new software image file. Either the software image file is corrupted or some characters were entered before the download started. Start the software load process again. If the same error occurs, replace the software image file.
Line CH 1	E-3	One line in the software image file has a bad checksum, usually because of a temporary line error. Start the software download process again.
Line CH 1 CH 2	E-5	The software image file has a bad or missing checksum. Start the software load process again. If the same error occurs, replace the software image file.