Ncsw10301 Unable To !new! Download The Image From Cisco.com Invalid Metadata Trans-id May 2026

Troubleshooting "NCSW10301: Unable to download the image from cisco.com, invalid metadata trans-id"

If you manage Cisco DNA Center (DNAC), you’ve likely used the Software Image Management (SWIM) feature to push new firmware or controller code to your network devices. It’s a powerful tool—when it works.

Recently, a growing number of administrators have encountered a frustrating error when trying to download an image directly from Cisco.com into the DNAC image repository:

NCSW10301: Unable to download the image from cisco.com, invalid metadata trans-id NCSW10301: Unable to download the image from cisco

This error is ambiguous, halts the download immediately, and leaves you wondering: Is it a credentials issue? A network problem? A bug?

Let’s break down exactly what causes this error—and how to fix it. This error is ambiguous, halts the download immediately,

5. Clear Cache and Try Alternative Methods:

• If using a web browser, try clearing your cache or using a different browser.
• Consider using Cisco's software download manager tools if available, or try downloading from a different location if one is provided.

2. Common Causes of "Invalid Metadata trans-id"

2.2 Time Synchronization Issues (NTP)

The trans-id often incorporates timestamps. If NCS’s system clock drifts from Cisco’s servers (even by a few seconds), the server sees the trans-id as expired or future-dated.

• Misconfigured NTP on NCS/DNA Center.
• Time zone mismatches between NCS and Cisco’s UTC-based servers.

1.1 What Does NCSW10301 Mean?

The error code breaks down as follows:

• NCSW – Network Control System Warning (or Workflow error).
• 10301 – A vendor-specific error code indicating a metadata transaction ID mismatch.
• Message – "Unable to download the image from cisco.com. Invalid metadata trans-id."

In essence, the NCS/DNA Center initiated a download request for a software image from software.cisco.com or download.cisco.com, but the transaction ID (trans-id) embedded in the metadata of the request did not match what the server expected or could validate.

Clear the metadata cache

rm -rf /opt/crosswork/data/image-mgmt/cache/* If using a web browser