Steps for installing and upgrading Cisco router series software (1)

This document describes how to upgrade the Cisco IOS software image on the connected router platform. Upgrade instances of vrouters 2600 and 3600 are also applicable to the vro platforms listed below. The name of the Cisco IOS software file may vary depending on the Cisco IOS software version, function settings, and platform. This document describes the following Cisco Series routers:
Cisco 1000 series routers
Cisco 1400 series routers
Cisco 1600-R series routers
Cisco 1700 series routers
Cisco 2600 series routers
Cisco 3600 series routers
Cisco 3700 series routers
Cisco 4000 Series routers
Cisco 4700 series routers
Cisco AS5300 series routers
Cisco MC3810 series routers
The information in this document is based on Cisco IOS software version 12.0 or later.
Before getting started
Step 1: Install the TFTP Server
A small File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server or remote replication protocol (RCP) server application must be installed on a TCP/IP-ready workstation or PC. Once the application is installed, the minimum configuration is required.
First, you must configure the TFTP application to run as a TFTP server, instead of a TFTP client.
The outbound file directory must be specified. To save the Cisco IOS software image in this directory, refer to step 2 below ). Most TFTP applications provide installation routines to assist with these configuration tasks.
Note: The software function package includes a TFTP server, which can be used on PCs running Windows 95, Windows 98, NT4.0, and Windows 2000. For other operating systems, you can obtain many TFTP or RCP applications from independent software vendors, or share software for TFTP or RCP applications from public resources on the World Wide Web. The TFTP server application on the software functional package can also be obtained on CCO.
Download the TFTP server for Windows 95, Windows 98, NT4.0, and Windows 2000.
Step 2: select a Cisco IOS software image
Verify that the Cisco IOS software image you downloaded supports both your hardware and required software features. You can find this information through Cisco Software Advisor. Before downloading the software version you selected, make sure that your router has enough dynamic RAMDRAM) and flash memory to save the Cisco IOS software image. In the version description of each Cisco IOS Software version and the Cisco Software Center IOS Upgrade Planner, you can find the recommended minimum DRAM and flash memory.
For more information about how to select the correct software version and function settings, see "how to select a Cisco IOS software version ".
Step 3: Download the Cisco IOS software image
Download the Cisco IOS software image from the Cisco IOS Upgrade Planner to your workstation or PC.
Procedure for upgrading a Cisco 2600 series router
Create a console session to the vro
Check whether the TFTP server has an IP connection to the vro.
Copy the new image to the flash memory of the 2600 series router through the TFTP Server

Step-by-step program
Step 1: Create a console session to the vro
Even if you can connect to the vrotelnet through telnet, we strongly recommend that you use the Console port to connect directly to the vro. The reason is: if some faults occur during the upgrade, you may need to physically close the router to restart it. In addition, when the vrotelnet is restarted, the telnet connection is lost.
Using Reverse cables, which are usually flat and black cables) to connect the Console port of the router to a COM port of the PC.
Once the PC is connected to the Console port of the vro, you must enable the Super Terminal on the PC and use the following settings: