Upgrade Failure

ZTE ZXR10 8900E: How to rollback to the previous image after a failed upgrade

Q: Where can I find the ZTE official documentation?

https://support.zte.com.cn — search the product family + feature name.

By Sai Kiran Pandrala · reviewed by Sai Kiran Pandrala, Editor Last verified: 2026-05-30

⚡ At a glance

Vendor	ZTE
Operating system	ZXR10 / ZXROS
Category	Upgrade Failure
Skill level	Intermediate to advanced
DIY-able?	Yes with CLI access; some scenarios need ZTE Customer Support + RMA.

On ZTE kit the upgrade ritual matters more than the speed. `show version` first, `show tech-support` second, then the actual `load image ftp://10.10.1.100/zxros.img`, that order on ZXR10 / ZXROS saves the most support-case time when something goes wrong on the ZXR10 5950 unit.

Integrity verification is non-negotiable. Vendor mirrors get corrupted, internal staging servers serve stale files, and the checksum step on ZXR10 / ZXROS is the only thing standing between you and a chassis that boots to a recovery prompt.

What follows is the safe-rollback variant. If you need an in-place upgrade with zero rollback path, this guide is not it. and frankly that is not a thing you should be doing on production gear.

What this guide covers

Rollback to the previous image after a failed upgrade on a ZTE ZXR10 8900E (ZXR10 / ZXROS).

Step-by-step

Confirm there's a previous image still on flash.
Set the boot variable to that previous image.
Reboot.
Verify the version is back to the prior release.
Investigate the upgrade failure separately, do not re-attempt without root cause.

CLI / commands

# Boot recovery prompt: Bootrom

# Verify image
show version

# Upgrade
load image ftp://10.10.1.100/zxros.img

# Save / commit
write

# Rollback
load configuration ftp ftp://10.10.1.100/backup.cfg

Recovery options

Boot loader recovery (Bootrom)
Rollback to the previous image with load configuration ftp ftp://10.10.1.100/backup.cfg
Force failover to a known-good standby (HA platforms)

Frequently asked questions

Will this work on my specific ZXR10 / ZXROS version?

The procedure reflects current ZXR10 / ZXROS behaviour. Older releases may need minor syntax adjustments: use the CLI help (? or tab-completion) to verify.

Should I open a ZTE Customer Support case immediately?

Open one if you suspect hardware failure or the symptom persists after a maintenance-window reload. Make sure your support entitlement is active first.

Where can I find the ZTE official documentation?

https://support.zte.com.cn, search the product family + feature name.

Is this procedure safe in production?

Test in a lab or maintenance window first. Capture pre-change state so you can roll back.

All ZTE fix guides → /zte/
All vendor guides → /vendors/

Related guides worth a look while you sort this one out:

References

ZTE support portal: https://support.zte.com.cn
ZTE knowledge base: https://support.zte.com.cn
ZTE security advisories: https://support.zte.com.cn/support/news/AnnoucementOverviewLatest.aspx
Open a case: https://support.zte.com.cn

Reference material, not professional advice. Validate against your specific ZXR10 / ZXROS version and test in a non-production environment before applying.

Common patterns we see

When this symptom shows up on a ZTE device, three patterns repeat:

1. Recent firmware update changed behavior. the symptom started within a week of an OTA push. Rollback or wait for the hotfix. 2. Environmental trigger, temperature, humidity, line voltage, network changes. Look at what changed in the environment. 3. Cumulative wear: components like batteries, gaskets, fans degrade over time. Replace the consumable rather than chasing a software fix.

Knowing which pattern applies saves time on the wrong fix.

Before you start

A few things to confirm so the ZTE device fix goes cleanly:

Latest firmware downloaded if you're going to update.
Warranty + support contract status checked, opening sealed parts may void it.
Backup of current configuration (where applicable) taken.
Spare parts on hand if you anticipate replacement.
Adequate workspace, lighting, and time. rushing causes regressions.

How to confirm it's actually fixed

On a ZTE device, the test is rarely "reboot and see". Use this list:

Active reproduction: trigger the original failure path on purpose.
Indirect reproduction: do an activity that would expose the same subsystem.
Status indicator review: every LED / display / app status should be green.
24-hour soak: leave the device under normal load overnight; check the next morning.
Telemetry check: review the device or app's diagnostic log for new error entries.

Escalation guide

For a ZTE device, the right escalation depends on impact:

Cosmetic / minor: log a ticket via the ZTE app or web portal. Response 1-3 business days.
Mid-impact: phone support. Have your serial number ready.
Critical (production down, safety issue): in-person dealer / TAC visit. Bring proof of purchase.
Out of warranty: third-party repair shop with manufacturer-certified technicians.