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Cisco 3600 Series Multiservice Platforms

Installing and Configuring External Flash Memory Cards in Cisco 3600 Series Routers

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Table Of Contents

Installing and Configuring External Flash Memory Cards in Cisco 3600 Series Routers

Installing a Flash Memory Card

Removing a Flash Memory Card

Partitioning a Flash Memory Card

Displaying the Contents of a Flash Memory Card

Copying a File from System Flash Memory to a Flash Memory Card

Copying a Running Configuration File to a Flash Memory Card

Copying a File from a Flash Memory Card to System Flash Memory

Copying a File Between Slots

Booting from a Flash Memory Card

Erasing the Contents of a Flash Memory Card

Obtaining Documentation

Cisco.com

Documentation CD-ROM

Ordering Documentation

Documentation Feedback

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco.com

Technical Assistance Center

Cisco TAC Website

Cisco TAC Escalation Center

Obtaining Additional Publications and Information


Installing and Configuring External Flash Memory Cards in Cisco 3600 Series Routers

Product Numbers: MEM3600-4FC=, MEM3600-8FC=, MEM3600-16FC=, MEM3600-20FC=

This document describes how to install external Flash memory cards in Cisco 3600 series routers, how to partition the cards, and how to copy files.

Note In this document, the term "Cisco 3600 series" refers to the Cisco 3620 router, the Cisco 3640 router, and the Cisco 3660 router.

This document is intended for the Flash memory card installer, who should be familiar with electronic circuitry and wiring practices and have experience as an electronic or electromechanical technician. Use this document in conjunction with the Cisco 3600 Series Hardware Installation Guide and the Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information document for your router.

If you have questions or need help, refer to the "Obtaining Technical Assistance" section.

This document contains the following sections:

•Installing a Flash Memory Card

•Removing a Flash Memory Card

•Partitioning a Flash Memory Card

•Displaying the Contents of a Flash Memory Card

•Copying a File from System Flash Memory to a Flash Memory Card

•Copying a Running Configuration File to a Flash Memory Card

•Copying a File from a Flash Memory Card to System Flash Memory

•Copying a File Between Slots

•Booting from a Flash Memory Card

•Erasing the Contents of a Flash Memory Card

•Obtaining Documentation

•Obtaining Technical Assistance

•Obtaining Additional Publications and Information

Installing a Flash Memory Card

The router includes two Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slots. You can install 4-, 8-, 16-, or 20-MB Flash memory cards in these slots.

Note The PCMCIA slots are also compatible with Cisco 1000 series Fast Flash memory cards.

To install an external Flash memory card, follow these steps:

Step 1 Verify that the Flash memory card's write-protect switch is off. The write-protect switch is at the top left edge of the card, when you view it with the label side toward you. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1 Setting the Write-Protect Switch

Step 2 Locate the PCMCIA slots, labeled 1 and 0, at the bottom right corner of the front panel of the chassis. (See Figure 2 and Figure 3.)

Note You can install a Flash memory card in either slot. It is not necessary to populate slot 0 before slot 1.

Step 3 If you have a Cisco 3620 or Cisco 3640 router, insert the connector end of the Flash memory card, label side up, into one of the PCMCIA slots until the card is seated in the connector. (See Figure 2.)

If you have a Cisco 3660 router, move the slot button to the front of the router and then insert the connector end of the Flash memory card, label side up, into the PCMCIA slot until the card is seated in the connector. (See Figure 3.)

Note (Cisco 3660 routers only) After you install the PCMCIA card, the slot button can be moved to the side to prevent accidental ejection of the card.

Note The card does not fit completely into the Cisco 3620 and Cisco 3640 routers; part of the card projects from the slot.

Figure 2 Installing a Flash Memory Card in the Cisco 3620 or Cisco 3640 Router

Figure 3 Installing a Flash Memory Card in the Cisco 3660 Router

Removing a Flash Memory Card

To remove a Flash memory card, follow these steps:

Step 1 On a Cisco 3620 or Cisco 3640 router, grasp the card near the slot and pull it free from the connector. (See Figure 4.)

On a Cisco 3660 router, press the button next to the PCMCIA slot to be evacuated. (See Figure 5.)

Caution Do not remove the Flash memory card while it is performing a read or write operation, because the router will shut down.

Step 2 Place the removed Flash memory card on an antistatic surface or in a static shielding bag.

Figure 4 Removing a Flash Memory Card from the Cisco 3620 or Cisco 3640 Router

Figure 5 Removing a Flash Memory Card from the Cisco 3660 Router

Partitioning a Flash Memory Card

Flash memory cards ordered from Cisco Systems ship blank (without software installed). Before copying files to a Flash memory card, you might want to partition it.

To partition a Flash memory card, follow these steps:

Step 1 Enter privileged EXEC mode: 

Router> enable


Password: <password>

Router#

Step 2 Enter global configuration mode: 

Router# configure terminal


Router(config)#

Step 3 Enter the partition {slot0: | slot1:} [partition-number] [partition1-size] [partition2-size] command: 

Router(config)# partition slot1: 1 2 4

The partition size is expressed in megabytes (MB).

Note If only one partition size is specified, or if the sizes are out of acceptable range, the following error messages are displayed:
%Error: Too few partition size parameters
%Error: Requested partitions not valid

Displaying the Contents of a Flash Memory Card

To display the contents of a Flash memory card, enter the show {slot0: | slot1:} command. For example: 

Router# show slot1:


PCMCIA Slot1 flash directory, partition 1:

File  Length   Name/status

  1   1933052  c3640-i-mz.111-6.3.AA

[1933116 bytes used, 6455492 available, 8388608 total]

8192K bytes of processor board PCMCIA Slot1 flash (Read/Write)


PCMCIA Slot1 flash directory, partition 2:

File  Length   Name/status

  1   3399444  c3640-j-mz.111-7.AA

[3399508 bytes used, 794796 available, 4194304 total]

4096K bytes of processor board PCMCIA Slot1 flash (Read/Write)


PCMCIA Slot1 flash directory, partition 3:

File  Length   Name/status

  1   2359     running-config

[2424 bytes used, 4191880 available, 4194304 total]

4096K bytes of processor board PCMCIA Slot1 flash (Read/Write)

Similarly, you can display the contents of system (onboard) Flash memory by entering the show flash: command.

Copying a File from System Flash Memory to a Flash Memory Card

You can use a Flash memory card to store a backup copy of a Cisco IOS image or other file. To copy a file from system (onboard) Flash memory to a Flash memory card, follow these steps:

Step 1 Enter privileged EXEC mode: 

Router> enable


Password: <password> 

Router#

Step 2 Enter the copy flash:[partition:filename] {slot0: | slot1:}[partition:filename] command. Replace partition with the partition number and filename with the name of the file. For example: 

Router# copy flash:2:TESTFILE slot0:3:TESTFILE


PCMCIA Slot0 flash directory, partition 3:

No files in PCMCIA Slot0 flash

[0 bytes used, 4194304 available, 4194304 total]

Verifying checksum for 'TESTFILE' (file # 1)...  OK

Erase flash device before writing? [confirm] n

Note If you omit the partition and filename arguments, you are prompted for them.

Step 3 Press Return or enter y to erase the current contents of the partition, or enter n to save the contents. Then confirm your selection: 

Copy 'TESTFILE' from flash: device

  as 'TESTFILE' into slot0: device WITHOUT erase? [yes/no] y

!

 [OK - 68/4194304 bytes]


Flash device copy took 00:00:05 [hh:mm:ss]

Verifying checksum...  OK (0x4ACD)

Copying a Running Configuration File to a Flash Memory Card

You can also use a Flash memory card to store a backup copy of a configuration file. To copy a configuration file to a Flash memory card, follow these steps:

Step 1 Enter privileged EXEC mode: 

Router> enable


Password: <password> 

Router#

Step 2 Enter the copy running-config {slot0: | slot1:}[partition:filename] command. Replace partition with the partition number and filename with the name of the file. For example: 

Router# copy running-config slot0:3:myconfig


PCMCIA Slot0 flash directory, partition 3:

File  Length   Name/status

  1   68       TESTFILE

[132 bytes used, 4194172 available, 4194304 total]

Building configuration...


Erase flash device before writing? [confirm] n

Note If you omit the partition and filename arguments, you are prompted for them.

Step 3 Press Return or enter y to erase the current contents of the partition, or enter n to save the contents. Then confirm your selection: 

Copy 'running-config'

  as 'myconfig' into flash device WITHOUT erase? [yes/no] y

!

 [OK - 922/4194172 bytes]


Verifying checksum...  OK (0xC4D4)

Flash device copy took 00:00:00 [hh:mm:ss]

Router#

Copying a File from a Flash Memory Card to System Flash Memory

You can copy files from a Flash memory card to system (onboard) Flash memory (for instance, when restoring a backup). To copy a file from a Flash memory card to system Flash memory, follow these steps:

Step 1 Enter privileged EXEC mode: 

Router> enable


Password: <password> 

Router#

Step 2 Enter the copy {slot0: | slot1:}[partition:filename] flash:[partition:filename] command. Replace partition with the partition number and filename with the name of the file. For example: 

Router# copy slot0:3:TESTFILE flash:2:TESTFILE2


System flash directory, partition 2:

File  Length   Name/status

  1   68       TESTFILE

  2   3399444  myfile

[3399640 bytes used, 794664 available, 4194304 total]

Verifying checksum for 'TESTFILE' (file # 1)...  OK

Erase flash device before writing? [confirm] n

Note If you omit the partition and filename arguments, you are prompted for them.

Step 3 Press Return or enter y to erase the current contents of the partition, or enter n to save the contents. Then confirm your selection: 

Copy 'TESTFILE' from slot0: device

  as 'TESTFILE2' into flash: device WITHOUT erase? [yes/no] y

!

 [OK - 68/794664 bytes]


Flash device copy took 00:00:04 [hh:mm:ss]

Verifying checksum...  OK (0x4ACD)

Router#

Copying a File Between Slots

This section describes how to copy a file from one Flash memory card to another Flash memory card in the other slot.

Note The source and destination slots cannot be the same. For example, if the source file is on the card in slot 0, you cannot copy the file to the same card in slot 0.

To copy a file between two slots, follow these steps:

Step 1 Enter privileged EXEC mode as follows: 

Router> enable


Password: <password>

Router#

Step 2 Insert the Flash memory card that contains the source file into the slot labeled 0.

Step 3 Insert a second Flash memory card into the slot labeled 1. This card does not have to be partitioned.

Step 4 Enter the copy {slot0: | slot1:}[partition:filename]{slot0: | slot1:} [partition:filename] command to copy a file from one slot to the other. In the following example, there are no partitions on the destination Flash memory card: 

Router# copy slot0:3:TESTFILE slot1:


PCMCIA Slot1 flash directory:

File  Length   Name/status

  1   1783471 FILE1

[1783536 bytes used, 313616 available, 2097152 total]

Destination file name [TESTFILE]?

Verifying checksum for 'TESTFILE' (file # 1)...  OK

Erase flash device before writing? [confirm] n

Note If you omit the partition and filename arguments, you are prompted for them.

Step 5 Press Return or enter y to erase the current contents of the destination partition (if any), or enter n to save the contents. Then confirm your selection: 

Copy 'TESTFILE' from slot0: device

  as 'TESTFILE' into slot1: device WITHOUT erase? [yes/no] y

!

 [OK - 68/313616 bytes]


Flash device copy took 00:00:05 [hh:mm:ss]

Verifying checksum...  OK (0x4ACD)

Router#

Booting from a Flash Memory Card

You can configure the router to boot from a Cisco IOS image on the Flash memory card, rather than from system Flash memory. The router boots the image on the Flash memory card, copies the image to onboard DRAM, and then executes the image from DRAM. The router does not execute the image directly from the Flash memory card.

To specify the image on the Flash memory card as the boot image, follow these steps:

Step 1 Enter privileged EXEC mode: 

Router> enable


Password: password


Router#

Step 2 Enter global configuration mode: 

Router# configure terminal


Router(config)#

Step 3 Enter the boot system flash {slot0: | slot1:}[partition:filename] command to specify the boot image location and name. In the following example, the boot image is located on the Flash memory card in the 0 slot, partition 3, and the filename is new.image: 

Router(config)# no boot system


Router(config)# boot system flash slot0:3:new.image

Note If you omit the partition and filename arguments, you are prompted for them.

Step 4 Set the configuration register to 0x2102 (the default setting), which indicates that the router should attempt to boot a Cisco IOS image from Flash memory: 

Router(config)# config-register 0x2102

Step 5 Exit global configuration mode: 

Router(config)# exit


Router#

Step 6 Enter the copy running-config startup-config command to save the configuration changes to NVRAM.

Step 7 Enter the reload command to reload the router. When the router reloads, it will boot the image new.image from the Flash memory card in slot 0.

Erasing the Contents of a Flash Memory Card

To erase a partition or the entire contents of a Flash memory card, enter the command erase {slot0: | slot1:} [partition:]. Replace partition with the partition number. You cannot specify a filename. The following example erases the contents of partition 2 of the card in slot 1.

Note Cisco recommends first displaying the contents of the partition that you plan to erase. 

Router# show slot1:


PCMCIA Slot1 flash directory, partition 1:

File		 	 Length	 	 Name/status

1	 	 	 	 	 1583	 	 	 	 test1

[1648 bytes used, 4192656 available, 4194304 total]

4096K bytes of processor board PCMCIA Slot1 flash (Read/Write)


PCMCIA Slot1 flash directory, partition 2:

File		 	 Length	 	 Name/status

1	 	 	 	 	 1611	 	 	 	 running-config

2	 	 	 	 	 1583	 	 	 	 configfile

[3324 bytes used, 4190980 available, 4194304 total]

4096K bytes of processor board PCMCIA Slot1 flash (Read/Write)


Router# erase slot1:2:


Erasing the slot1:2 filesystem will remove all files! Continue? [confirm]

Erasing device... eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ...erased

Erase of slot1:2: complete


Router#

Note If you omit the partition argument, you are prompted for it.

Obtaining Documentation

Cisco provides several ways to obtain documentation, technical assistance, and other technical resources. These sections explain how to obtain technical information from Cisco Systems.

Cisco.com

You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/home/home.htm

You can access the Cisco website at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com

International Cisco websites can be accessed from this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml

Documentation CD-ROM

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a Cisco Documentation CD-ROM package, which may have shipped with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM is updated regularly and may be more current than printed documentation. The CD-ROM package is available as a single unit or through an annual or quarterly subscription.

Registered Cisco.com users can order a single Documentation CD-ROM (product number DOC-CONDOCCD=) through the Cisco Ordering tool:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ordering/ordering_place_order_ordering_tool_launch.html

All users can order monthly or quarterly subscriptions through the online Subscription Store:

http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription

Ordering Documentation

You can find instructions for ordering documentation at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/es_inpck/pdi.htm

You can order Cisco documentation in these ways:

•Registered Cisco.com users (Cisco direct customers) can order Cisco product documentation from the Networking Products MarketPlace:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ordering/index.shtml

•Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative by calling Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters (California, U.S.A.) at 408 526-7208 or, elsewhere in North America, by calling 800 553-NETS (6387).

Documentation Feedback

You can submit comments electronically on Cisco.com. On the Cisco Documentation home page, click Feedback at the top of the page.

You can e-mail your comments to bug-doc@cisco.com.

You can submit comments by using the response card (if present) behind the front cover of your document or by writing to the following address:

Cisco Systems
Attn: Customer Document Ordering
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883

We appreciate your comments.

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco provides Cisco.com, which includes the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) website, as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can obtain online documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from the Cisco TAC website. Cisco.com registered users have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC website, including TAC tools and utilities.

Cisco.com

Cisco.com offers a suite of interactive, networked services that let you access Cisco information, networking solutions, services, programs, and resources at any time, from anywhere in the world.

Cisco.com provides a broad range of features and services to help you with these tasks:

•Streamline business processes and improve productivity

•Resolve technical issues with online support

•Download and test software packages

•Order Cisco learning materials and merchandise

•Register for online skill assessment, training, and certification programs

To obtain customized information and service, you can self-register on Cisco.com at this URL:

http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do

Technical Assistance Center

The Cisco TAC is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product, technology, or solution. Two types of support are available: the Cisco TAC website and the Cisco TAC Escalation Center. The type of support that you choose depends on the priority of the problem and the conditions stated in service contracts, when applicable.

We categorize Cisco TAC inquiries according to urgency:

•Priority level 4 (P4)—You need information or assistance concerning Cisco product capabilities, product installation, or basic product configuration. There is little or no impact to your business operations.

•Priority level 3 (P3)—Operational performance of the network is impaired, but most business operations remain functional. You and Cisco are willing to commit resources during normal business hours to restore service to satisfactory levels.

•Priority level 2 (P2)—Operation of an existing network is severely degraded, or significant aspects of your business operations are negatively impacted by inadequate performance of Cisco products. You and Cisco will commit full-time resources during normal business hours to resolve the situation.

•Priority level 1 (P1)—An existing network is "down," or there is a critical impact to your business operations. You and Cisco will commit all necessary resources around the clock to resolve the situation.

Cisco TAC Website

The Cisco TAC website provides online documents and tools to help troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with Cisco products and technologies. To access the Cisco TAC website, go to this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/tac

All customers, partners, and resellers who have a valid Cisco service contract have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC website. Some services on the Cisco TAC website require a Cisco.com login ID and password. If you have a valid service contract but do not have a login ID or password, go to this URL to register:

http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do

If you are a Cisco.com registered user, and you cannot resolve your technical issues by using the Cisco TAC website, you can open a case online at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/caseopen

If you have Internet access, we recommend that you open P3 and P4 cases online so that you can fully describe the situation and attach any necessary files.

Cisco TAC Escalation Center

The Cisco TAC Escalation Center addresses priority level 1 or priority level 2 issues. These classifications are assigned when severe network degradation significantly impacts business operations. When you contact the TAC Escalation Center with a P1 or P2 problem, a Cisco TAC engineer automatically opens a case.

To obtain a directory of toll-free Cisco TAC telephone numbers for your country, go to this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml

Before calling, please check with your network operations center to determine the Cisco support services to which your company is entitled: for example, SMARTnet, SMARTnet Onsite, or Network Supported Accounts (NSA). When you call the center, please have available your service agreement number and your product serial number.

Obtaining Additional Publications and Information

Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various online and printed sources.

•The Cisco Product Catalog describes the networking products offered by Cisco Systems, as well as ordering and customer support services. Access the Cisco Product Catalog at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_catalog_links_launch.html

•Cisco Press publishes a wide range of networking publications. Cisco suggests these titles for new and experienced users: Internetworking Terms and Acronyms Dictionary, Internetworking Technology Handbook, Internetworking Troubleshooting Guide, and the Internetworking Design Guide. For current Cisco Press titles and other information, go to Cisco Press online at this URL:

http://www.ciscopress.com

•Packet magazine is the Cisco quarterly publication that provides the latest networking trends, technology breakthroughs, and Cisco products and solutions to help industry professionals get the most from their networking investment. Included are networking deployment and troubleshooting tips, configuration examples, customer case studies, tutorials and training, certification information, and links to numerous in-depth online resources. You can access Packet magazine at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/go/packet

•iQ Magazine is the Cisco bimonthly publication that delivers the latest information about Internet business strategies for executives. You can access iQ Magazine at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/go/iqmagazine

•Internet Protocol Journal is a quarterly journal published by Cisco Systems for engineering professionals involved in designing, developing, and operating public and private internets and intranets. You can access the Internet Protocol Journal at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/about/ac123/ac147/about_cisco_the_internet_protocol_journal.html

•Training—Cisco offers world-class networking training. Current offerings in network training are listed at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/le31/learning_recommended_training_list.html

This document is to be used in conjunction with your router's software configuration guide, the Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information document for your router, and the Cisco IOS configuration guides and command references for your Cisco IOS release.

CCIP, CCSP, the Cisco Arrow logo, the Cisco Powered Network mark, Cisco Unity, Follow Me Browsing, FormShare, and StackWise are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Changing the Way We Work, Live, Play, and Learn, and iQuick Study are service marks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; and Aironet, ASIST, BPX, Catalyst, CCDA, CCDP, CCIE, CCNA, CCNP, Cisco, the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert logo, Cisco IOS, the Cisco IOS logo, Cisco Press, Cisco Systems, Cisco Systems Capital, the Cisco Systems logo, Empowering the Internet Generation, Enterprise/Solver, EtherChannel, EtherSwitch, Fast Step, GigaStack, Internet Quotient, IOS, IP/TV, iQ Expertise, the iQ logo, iQ Net Readiness Scorecard, LightStream, MGX, MICA, the Networkers logo, Networking Academy, Network Registrar, Packet, PIX, Post-Routing, Pre-Routing, RateMUX, Registrar, ScriptShare, SlideCast, SMARTnet, StrataView Plus, Stratm, SwitchProbe, TeleRouter, The Fastest Way to Increase Your Internet Quotient, TransPath, and VCO are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries.

All other trademarks mentioned in this document or Web site are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (0304R)

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