Doing an install of the same release without doing a download an reboot is actually fine.

Download only writes the kernel and boot code to the cf card. And reboot is only to actually boot into that kernel.

I should have been more explicit. I realize the action should pose no harm - I'm jaded lately at the advice that comes from the first level of support. I think they're reaching here. If autosupport is working, then not, then working...this seems to me like busywork that will get the customer nowhere. Try this...try this, no?...then try this...

I get _very_ frustrated when a TSE doles out any mitigation efforts without tellin me exactly why they are requesting it, and why they think it will work. In fact (now that I've digressed off-topic), my ideal support ticket would look like this:

Me: here's the problem, and everything I've tried to fix it and the results, and an autosupport (I know in this case that's the problem!). NetApp: Thanks, we'll look into this and get right back to you. NetApp: This is what we think is happening.... NetApp: Try this _because_...: Me: No dice... NetApp: Ok...we'll get back to with an explanation, or escalate it and bump up the priority.

Instead, typically I get this:

Me: here's the problem, and everything I've tried to fix it and the results, and an autosupport. NetApp: Thanks. Can you send an autosupport, please? NetApp: Please try this, and send us the results, and send us the results? (what they ask for is everything I've already tried, and told them so). Me: Damn!