How to Convert Cisco 9200 Switch From Bundle Mode to Install Mode

Last updated: 25-01-2026

Introduction:

Converting your Cisco Catalyst 9200 switch from bundle mode to install mode is a critical modernization step that provides better upgrade capabilities, improved space efficiency, and enhanced rollback features. This guide covers the correct sequence of steps to safely convert your switch from legacy bundle mode to the modern install mode used in current IOS-XE implementations.

Why Convert to Install Mode?

Install mode offers significant advantages over the legacy bundle mode:

  • Efficient Space Management: Individual package extraction vs monolithic bundle files
  • Advanced Rollback Capabilities: Granular rollback to previous versions
  • Faster Upgrades: Only changed packages are updated
  • Better Boot Times: Optimized boot sequence
  • Future-Ready: Required for latest IOS-XE features
  • Industry Standard: Cisco's recommended approach for all new deployments

Prerequisites and Preparation

System Requirements

Before starting the conversion process, ensure you have:

  • Switch Model: WS-9200L-24P-4G (or compatible 9200 series)
  • Sufficient Flash Space: Minimum 3-4GB free space recommended
  • Console Access: Direct console or reliable SSH connection
  • Install Mode Image: Compatible IOS-XE .bin file
  • TFTP Server: 192.168.10.10 (or USB storage device)
  • Maintenance Window: Scheduled downtime for the conversion

Pre-Conversion Assessment

1. Check current boot mode and configuration:

show version | include boot
show boot
show running-config | include boot system

2. Document current system state:

show version
show install summary
show file systems
dir flash:

3. Backup current configuration:

copy running-config startup-config
copy startup-config tftp://192.168.10.10/switch-backup-before-conversion.txt

4. Verify available storage space:

show flash: | include bytes
# Ensure at least 3-4GB free space is available

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Step 1: Download and Transfer Install Mode Image

First, obtain the appropriate IOS-XE install mode image for your switch model.

Example Image for WS-9200L-24P-4G:

cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin
MD5: 0d4acfb1e3f269271bc8eb095d907014

Transfer using TFTP (Preferred Method):

copy tftp://192.168.10.10/cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin flash:

Transfer using USB (Alternative):

copy usbflash0:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin flash:

Step 2: Verify Image Integrity

Verify that the image exists in flash and confirm its integrity using the MD5 checksum.

Check file presence and size:

dir flash: | include cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin

Verify the MD5 checksum:

verify /md5 flash:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin 0d4acfb1e3f269271bc8eb095d907014

Step 3: Remove Existing Bundle Mode Boot Configuration

Enter configuration mode and check the current boot system configuration.

configure terminal
show running-config | include boot system

Remove all existing boot system entries that reference bundle (.bin) images. Repeat the command for each boot system entry found.

no boot system flash:current-bundle-image.bin

Exit configuration mode after removing all bundle-mode boot entries.

exit

Step 4: Set New Boot Path for Install Mode

Configure the switch to boot using packages.conf. This file will be created automatically during the install process.

configure terminal
boot system flash:packages.conf
exit

Step 5: Save Configuration

Save the running configuration and verify the boot variables.

copy running-config startup-config
show boot

Step 6: Install the Image and Convert to Install Mode

Run the install command to extract the image, activate it, and commit the change.

install add file flash:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin activate commit

Step 7: Monitor the Conversion Process

The switch will extract packages, create packages.conf, activate the new image, and reload automatically.

Step 8: Automatic Reboot and Verification

After the reload, verify the switch is running in install mode and that the correct boot configuration is set.

Verify boot mode:

show version | include boot

Check installed packages:

show install summary

Verify boot variables:

show boot

Confirm that packages.conf exists in flash:

dir flash: | include packages.conf

Success Indicators:

  • Boot mode shows Install
  • packages.conf exists in flash
  • show install summary displays installed packages
  • Boot system points to packages.conf

Post-Conversion Verification

System Health Check

1. Verify system version and install mode status:

show version
show install summary

2. Test basic network connectivity and interface status:

ping gateway-ip
show ip interface brief

3. Verify interfaces, Layer 2 features, and VLANs:

show interface status
show spanning-tree summary
show vlan brief

Performance Monitoring

Monitor CPU, memory usage, and system logs after conversion.

Check CPU and memory utilization:

show processes cpu | include five
show memory statistics

Review system logs for warnings or errors:

show logging | include ERROR|WARN

Cleanup and Optimization

Remove Old Bundle Files (Optional)

After confirming a successful conversion, old bundle images can be removed to free flash space.

List all bundle (.bin) files present in flash:

dir flash: | include .bin

Delete old bundle images (retain at least one for emergency recovery):

delete flash:old-bundle-image.bin

Remove inactive install packages:

install remove inactive

Verify available flash space after cleanup:

show flash: | include bytes

Caution: Keep at least one known-good bundle image until the system has been stable in install mode.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Boot Loop After Conversion

If the switch enters a boot loop, access ROMMON and manually set boot variables.

Set boot variables to load packages.conf:

SWITCH_NUMBER=1
BOOT=flash:packages.conf
boot

If install mode fails, fall back to a bundle image:

BOOT=flash:backup-bundle-image.bin
boot

Packages.conf Missing or Corrupted

If packages.conf is missing or corrupted, rerun the install process to recreate it.

install add file flash:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin activate commit

Insufficient Storage Space

Check available flash storage:

show flash: | include bytes

Remove unnecessary files:

delete flash:*.log
delete flash:*.tmp
delete flash:core.*

Remove inactive packages to free additional space:

install remove inactive

Rollback Procedures (Emergency)

Method 1: ROMMON Recovery

If the switch fails to boot in install mode, recover using a backup bundle image.

Boot directly from the backup bundle image in ROMMON:

SWITCH_NUMBER=1
BOOT=flash:backup-bundle-image.bin
boot

Once the system boots, reconfigure the boot system permanently:

configure terminal
no boot system flash:packages.conf
boot system flash:backup-bundle-image.bin
exit
copy running-config startup-config

Method 2: Install Mode Rollback

If the switch boots but experiences issues in install mode, check rollback options.

Display available rollback points:

show install rollback

Rollback to a previous install state if available:

install rollback to id 1

Benefits After Successful Conversion

After converting to install mode, the switch gains the following advantages:

  • Faster Future Upgrades: Only changed packages are updated
  • Better Rollback Options: Roll back to specific install states
  • Improved Space Efficiency: Reduced flash usage
  • Enhanced Reliability: Individual package verification
  • Modern Feature Support: Access to newer IOS-XE features
  • Simplified Management: Alignment with Cisco best practices

Best Practices and Recommendations

Planning Guidelines

  • Test the conversion process in a lab before production
  • Schedule a sufficient maintenance window
  • Ensure console access throughout the procedure
  • Retain a backup bundle image for emergency recovery
  • Document all changes made during the conversion

Post-Conversion Maintenance

  • Monitor stability for 24–48 hours after conversion
  • Validate all critical network services
  • Update documentation to reflect install mode
  • Plan regular install-mode upgrades

Conclusion

Converting from bundle mode to install mode is an essential modernization step for Cisco Catalyst 9200 switches. The correct sequence - removing old boot configuration, setting new boot path, saving config, then installing the image - ensures a smooth and successful conversion.

Install mode provides significant operational advantages including faster upgrades, better rollback capabilities, and improved space management. While the conversion requires careful planning and execution, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment in your network infrastructure.

Remember that install mode is now the standard for all IOS-XE devices, making this conversion essential for staying current with Cisco's best practices and accessing the latest platform features and capabilities.