Backing up IOS

[neilh]

I have 14 switches and 4 routers on a large WAN\LAN

I have backed up all the startup configs to my TFTP server without any problems. Now I want to backup the IOS of each router and switch.

It has been over ten years since I was responsible for this many routers and switches and I wish I had kept pursuing my Cisco certifications after I got my CCNA in 2000. I have done mostly IT management since but recently found myself back in the trenches as the sole IT person for this company.

Here is an example of my failed attempts:

User Access Verification

UsernameXXXXXXXX

Password:XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXX_SW02#show flash

Directory of flash:/

2 -rwx 109 Feb 28 1993 18:01:47 -06:00 info

3 -rwx 269 Dec 31 1969 18:01:58 -06:00 env_vars

4 -rwx 25 Jul 17 2007 12:24:26 -05:00 private-config.text

5 -rwx 4120 Jul 17 2007 12:24:26 -05:00 multiple-fs

7 -rwx 3857 Jul 17 2007 12:24:26 -05:00 config.text

8 -rwx 3110758 Feb 28 1993 18:03:31 -06:00 c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-22.EA6

.bin

9 drwx 4160 Feb 28 1993 18:04:05 -06:00 html

378 -rwx 109 Feb 28 1993 18:04:41 -06:00 info.ver

7741440 bytes total (2983936 bytes free)

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX_SW02#

XXXXXXXXXXSW02#copy flash tftp

Source filename []? c2950-i6q412-mz.121-22.EA6.bin

Address or name of remote host []?

Address or name of remote host []? 10.240.242.101

Destination filename [c2950-i6q412-mz.121-22.EA6.bin]?

%Error opening flash:c2950-i6q412-mz.121-22.EA6.bin (No such file or directory)

XXXXXXXXXXSW02#

So whenever I try to copy the IOS file to my TFTP server it always tells me that there is no such directory or file!

I've tried it on all the bin files that look like the IOS image from the show flash command but still can't get it to work.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Once I have these bad boys backed up I will feel better!

I am definitely going to get recertified and work towards CCNP again as I have to work extensively with these things on a daily basis.

Thanks,

Neil

[sundar.palaniappan]

Neil

It looks like you may have a typo here. Check the file name "i6q412" should it be 'l' or '1'.

HTH

Sundar

[neilh]

It looks like an i

I will try the 1 instead

Thanks

[sundar.palaniappan]

Actually try lower case L.

[mohammedmahmoud]

hi Neil,

In such cases always copy and paste the IOS name instead of typing it.

HTH,

Mohammed Mahmoud.

[neilh]

Still doesn't work even if I copy the IOS file name and paste it.

WIll having the running config be enough to recover the switch or router i the future if it fails, or should I go out and grab the IOS files from Cisco in case of future failure or corruption?

Thanks,

Neil

User Access Verification

XXXXXXXSW1#show flash

Directory of flash:/

2 -rwx 0 Jan 1 1970 00:02:04 +00:00 env_vars

3 -rwx 348 Jan 1 1970 00:02:04 +00:00 system_env_vars

4 -rwx 676 Mar 1 1993 00:00:39 +00:00 vlan.dat

5 -rwx 5 Apr 3 1993 13:42:45 +00:00 private-config.text

6 -rwx 5127 Mar 1 1993 01:36:59 +00:00 config.text.old

8 drwx 128 Mar 1 1993 00:04:27 +00:00 c3550-ipbase-mz.122-25.SEB

4

7 -rwx 5542 Apr 3 1993 13:42:45 +00:00 config.text

15998976 bytes total (9508352 bytes free)

XXXXXXXXSW1#copy flash tftp

Source filename []? c3550-ipbase-mz.122-25.SEB

Address or name of remote host []? 10.240.242.102

Destination filename [c3550-ipbase-mz.122-25.SEB]?

%Error opening flash:c3550-ipbase-mz.122-25.SEB (No such file or directory)

XXXXXXXXXSW1#

[sundar.palaniappan]

Am I looking at it correct. The actual IOS image seems to be c3550-ipbase-mz.122-25.SEB4 whereas the image you were trying to copy to the tftp was c3550-ipbase-mz.122-25.SEB. The # 4 at the end is missing. Can you retry with the correct file name?

[neilh]

Sorry it still failed even with the 4 added.

I'll keep playing with it over the weekend.

It all works on the simulators I have but on the real routers or switches it fails! :-)

N

[Edison Ortiz]

On the error displayed, it doesn't show the "/" after the flash: - it's treating the file name as a folder.

try this command

copy flash:/c3550-ipbase-mz.122-25.SEB tftp

[mohammedmahmoud]

Hi,

For the 3550 please use the "archive upload-sw tftp:[[//location]/directory]/image-name.tar" command.

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/lan/cat3560/12237se/scg/swiosfs.htm#wp1021182

HTH,

Mohammed Mahmoud.

[james.e.squier]

Sage advice.