Loading IOS on a Nexus 7000/5000

• connect to serial console port
• connect mgmt 0 port with your network
• power on the Nexus

• Abort Power On Auto Provisioning and continue with normal setup? → type y (and wait for the next question to come up)
• Do you want to enforce secure password standard? → type n
• Enter password for admin user (admin/admin)
• Would you like to enter the basic configuration dialog? → type n

• IP config
  • conf t
  • interface mgmt 0
  • ip address 192.168.1.240 255.255.255.0
  • no shutdown
  • exit
  • exit
  • Test network connectivity: ping 192.168.1.11 vrf management

• Copy IOS Files
  • cd bootflash:
  • dir (check there is enough free space on bootflash)
  • Either: Copy files with one-line command
    • copy scp://user@hostip/path/to/file/iosfile.bin bootflash:iosfile.bin vrf management
    • copy scp://user@hostip/path/to/file/kickstartfile.bin bootflash:kickstartfile.bin vrf management
  • Or: Copy files in interactive mode
    • copy scp: bootflash:
    • Enter file name: /path/to/file/iosfile.bin
    • Enter host name: 192.168.1.11
    • Enter user name: lab
    • When asked to confirm host's authenticity (ssh fingerprint), do so by typing yes
    • Enter Password: <your password>
    • repeat above procedure for kickstart file

• install IOS
  • cd bootflash:
  • install all kickstart bootflash:///kickstartfile.bin system bootflash:///iosfile.bin
  • When asked if Installation shall continue, confirm by entering yes
  • In case the Nexus doesn't reboot by itself: reload
  • Type show version to verify the running image version
  • optional: save old IOS and kickstart image and then delete the files from bootflash