UC520 initial configuration -Step 1 Back Up

Ok you just got your gear and you know you want to plug it in and take a look. 

DON'T PLUG IT IN YET. The first thing to do after unboxing your UC500 and inventoring the parts is to back up the flash that comes with it. If you want to go back to a factory default config it is a good idea to have a copy of it. Be sure to do this before powering the unit on. The UC520 uses flash while in operation to serve firmware to phones, ringtones and music on hold so if you remove it while the unit is powered on bad things can happen. In fact the box says do not remove while unit is in operation and Cisco gves you a screw-on flash cover as well. My experience has been that there is usually a newer version or point rev out than what ships installed on the box ,and I like to upgrade first.  That is why I back it up before I begin.

What is on the flash?

Your Cisco IOS, Phone Firmware, Rigtones, Factory default config and the GUI files for Call Manager/Unity Express.  The Unity Express files are not stored in flash other than the shared GUI files.

How to Back up Flash

Get a 9 dollar 7 in one card reader and copy to a directory on your local PC. 

 One interesting thing I noticed about the flash.  It actually said made in the USA on back.  Wow, I didn't know we still made stuff here ;)