Before upgrading the Cisco NX-OS software on a Cisco MDS switch, it is important to perform some preparatory steps to ensure a smooth and successful upgrade process. Two of these steps are: * Check the impact of the upgrade using the show install all impact command. This command displays the compatibility and impact matrix for the upgrade, which shows the current and target versions of the software, the modules that will be upgraded, the modules that will be reloaded, and the modules that will be powered down. This information helps to plan the upgrade and minimize the disruption to the network. * Back up the configuration of the switch using the copy running-config startup-config command. This command saves the current running configuration to the startup configuration file, which is stored in the bootflash memory of the switch. This ensures that the configuration is preserved and can be restored in case of any issues during or after the upgrade. References := The information is supported by the Cisco MDS 9000 NX-OS Software Upgrade and Downgrade Guide, which provides detailed instructions and guidelines for upgrading the software on a Cisco MDS switch