SystemPrivileged EXEC

copy tftp: flash:

Copies a file from a TFTP server to the router's flash memory, used to upgrade IOS images, restore configurations, or add files.

Syntax·Privileged EXEC

copy tftp: flash:

When to Use This Command

Upgrading the IOS image on a router by copying a new image from a TFTP server to flash.
Restoring a backup configuration file from a TFTP server to flash for disaster recovery.
Copying a new firmware file for a module (e.g., WLC) from a TFTP server to flash.
Transferring a license file from a TFTP server to flash for activation.

Command Examples

Basic IOS image upgrade

copy tftp: flash:

Address or name of remote host []? 192.168.1.100
Source filename []? c2960-lanbasek9-mz.150-2.SE11.bin
Destination filename [c2960-lanbasek9-mz.150-2.SE11.bin]? 
Accessing tftp://192.168.1.100/c2960-lanbasek9-mz.150-2.SE11.bin...
Loading c2960-lanbasek9-mz.150-2.SE11.bin from 192.168.1.100 (via Vlan1): !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[OK - 12345678 bytes]

12345678 bytes copied in 45.123 secs (273456 bytes/sec)

Prompts for TFTP server IP (192.168.1.100), source filename (the IOS image), and destination filename (default same as source). The exclamation marks indicate successful data transfer. Output shows total bytes copied, time, and transfer rate.

Copying a configuration file with different destination name

copy tftp: flash:

Address or name of remote host []? 10.0.0.5
Source filename []? running-config.backup
Destination filename [running-config.backup]? startup-config.backup
Accessing tftp://10.0.0.5/running-config.backup...
Loading running-config.backup from 10.0.0.5 (via GigabitEthernet0/0): !
[OK - 2048 bytes]

2048 bytes copied in 0.123 secs (16650 bytes/sec)

Here the user specifies a different destination filename (startup-config.backup). The output confirms the file size (2048 bytes) and transfer rate. The single exclamation mark indicates a small file.

Understanding the Output

The output begins with prompts for the TFTP server address and filenames. After confirming, the router attempts to access the file via TFTP. Exclamation marks (!) indicate successful packet transfers; dots (.) indicate timeouts or retransmissions. The final line shows total bytes copied, elapsed time, and transfer rate in bytes/sec. A successful copy ends with '[OK - <bytes>]'. If the file is large, many exclamation marks appear. Watch for 'Timeout' or 'Error' messages indicating network issues or incorrect filename. The transfer rate helps gauge network performance; low rates may indicate congestion or server issues.

CCNA Exam Tips

CCNA exam tip 1: The command is executed in privileged EXEC mode (enable mode).

CCNA exam tip 2: You must have a TFTP server reachable from the router; the exam may test troubleshooting connectivity.

CCNA exam tip 3: The destination filename can be changed; if not, it defaults to the source filename.

CCNA exam tip 4: Ensure sufficient flash space before copying; use 'show flash:' to check.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Forgetting to specify the correct TFTP server IP or filename, causing 'Timeout' errors.

Mistake 2: Not having enough flash memory, leading to 'Out of memory' or partial copy.

Mistake 3: Using the command in user EXEC mode instead of privileged EXEC mode.

Related Commands

copy flash: tftp:

Copies a file from the router's flash memory to a TFTP server, used for backing up IOS images or configuration files.

show flash

Displays the contents and status of the flash memory, including files, their sizes, and available space, used to verify IOS images and configuration files.

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