When API handshake issues block native automated downloads, you can bypass Cisco.com direct automation by importing files locally: DNA CENTER IMAGE REPOSITORY ERROR NCSW10301
This document analyzes the failure associated with Transaction ID NCSW10301 . The error "Unable to download the image... invalid metadata" indicates a breakdown in the handshake between the on-premises licensing utility (CSLU or SSM) and the Cisco Cloud backend. Specifically, the metadata file (which contains manifest details, signature, and entitlement counts) returned by Cisco.com was either corrupted, digitally invalid, or incompatible with the requesting agent's software version.
One such cryptic error that has been appearing in Cisco support forums, engineering tickets, and Intersight upgrade logs is: When API handshake issues block native automated downloads,
When attempting to download a software image from Cisco.com using the Cisco NCS/NSO platform, the operation fails with error code ncsw10301 , accompanied by the message: unable to download the image from cisco.com invalid metadata trans-id .
The invalid metadata_trans_id string highlights a break in step 2. A documented bug platform-side ( Cisco Bug: CSCwd15921 ) reveals that while the heavy OS binary downloads successfully, the cloud service frequently supplies an invalid or malformed GUID structure inside the complementary matrix metadata. Because the controller treats the image and its corresponding tracking metadata as a single bundle, an invalid transaction ID or an omitted matrix file forces the engine to discard the task and throw an NCSW10301 failure. Beyond software defects, this failure is also triggered by: A documented bug platform-side ( Cisco Bug: CSCwd15921
This comprehensive troubleshooting guide breaks down why this error occurs and provides step-by-step methods to resolve it. Root Cause Analysis
is a known issue typically encountered in Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) during Software Image Management (SWIM) operations. While the main software image may download successfully, the associated ISSU Compatibility Matrix (comp_matrix.xml) fails due to this metadata error. Review of Error NCSW10301 Causes include corrupted metadata
This error occurs when a Cisco device (typically Nexus switches, NX-OS or related platforms) attempts to download a software image from Cisco.com and the image metadata or download transaction ID (trans-id) is considered invalid or mismatched. Causes include corrupted metadata, interrupted/partial downloads, incorrect URL/credentials, NX-OS bug, clock/time skew, proxy or TLS issues, or DNS/HTTP redirect problems.
: A documented defect in Cisco DNA Center versions 2.2.3.x, 2.3.3.x, and 2.3.4.x where the core image file downloads successfully, but the accompanying ISSU compatibility matrix fails due to metadata discrepancies.