Field Notice: FN63972 - Cisco C2960X-STACK= Module Might Display Authentication Failure Error Message - Replace on Failure

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Updated:September 24, 2026
Document ID:FN63972

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Medium
Impact Rating:
Medium
First Published:
2017-Oct-12
Last Published:
2026-Sep-24
Revision:
10.2
Cisco Bug IDs:

Notice

THIS FIELD NOTICE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DOES NOT IMPLY ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY. YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION ON THE FIELD NOTICE OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE FIELD NOTICE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS FIELD NOTICE AT ANY TIME.

Products Affected


Affected Product Name Description Comments
C2960X-STACK= Catalyst 2960-X FlexStack Plus Stacking Module optional Part Alternate




Defect Information


Defect IDHeadline
CSCuu00752Incorrect license programmed on flexstack-plus module

Problem Description


An incorrect license was programmed into a limited number of Cisco 2960X FlexStack-Plus modules (C2960X-STACK=). With the incorrect license, the FlexStack module does not pass the SmartChip authentication during boot up, so the module is not recognized or supported by the switch chassis.


Background


Cisco has found that less than 0.03% of the C2960X-STACK= module installation base was programmed with the incorrect license during the manufacturing process.


Problem Symptom


When a Cisco Catalyst 2960X Series switch is booted up with an affected C2960X-STACK= module, there are two error messages that might appear.

Here is the first error message that can appear:

POST: ACT2 Authentication: Begin  
POST: ACT2 Authentication: End, Status Passed FlexStack Module SmartChip
                           Authentication Failed

Here is the second error message that can appear:

%ILET-1-DEVICE_AUTHENTICATION_FAIL: The FlexStack Module inserted in this switch
 may not have been manufactured by Cisco or with Cisco's authorization. If your
 use of this product is the cause of a support issue, Cisco may deny operation of
 the product, support under your warranty or under a Cisco technical support program
 such as Smartnet.  Please contact Cisco's Technical Assistance Center for more
 information.

Workaround/Solution


Solution

To determine if a C2960X-STACK= module is affected, see the Serial Number Validation section of this field notice.

Note that this is a Fix on Failure program. If a C2960X-STACK= module is identified as affected and exhibits the abnormal behavior described in the Problem Symptom section of this field notice, contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for a replacement.

Modules that are identified as affected but are functioning normally do not currently require replacement.


How to Identify Affected Products


To obtain the serial number of a C2960X-STACK= module, perform a physical inspection of the Serial Number label on the module:


Serial Number Validation


The Cisco Support Assistant (CSA) can help verify whether a device is impacted by the issue that is described in this Field Notice. To check the device, either enter the serial number in the CSA on the right side of this page or click the following URL: Cisco Support Assistant

Revision History


VersionDescriptionSectionDate
10.2Updated the instructions for serial number validation.Workaround/Solution2026-SEP-24
10.1Fixed the broken image link and updated the concept tags.—2018-JUN-29
10.0Migrated to new field notice system.—2017-OCT-12

For More Information

For further assistance or for more information about this field notice, contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) using one of the following methods:

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