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Cisco Switch Password Recovery By Modifying Configuration Files

Time: 2024-11-06
        When logging into a Cisco switch via the console port, administrators usually configure a console user account and password for authentication to prevent unauthorized access, thereby maintaining operational security and protecting network data. What should you do if this password is forgotten?
        Cisco switches offer multiple solutions for forgotten account passwords, including modifying the startup configuration file, adjusting configuration registers, and restoring factory settings. Taking the Cisco WS-C3560G-24TS switch as an example, Moduletek Laboratory demonstrates how to complete console password reset by pressing the MODE key and modifying the configuration file.
Cisco Switch MODE Key
Figure 1 Cisco Switch MODE Key
Operation Steps
        1. Reboot the switch and press and hold the MODE key within 30 seconds of power-on.
        2. The system enters BOOT mode. Run the command to initialize the FLASH file system:
            flash_init
        3. Execute the following commands in sequence to view the configuration file in the FLASH directory:
            load_helper
            dir flash:
        4. Rename the configuration file that contains the forgotten password (to avoid loading it during startup):
            rename flash:config.text flash:config.old
        5. Run the command to start the switch:
            boot
        When prompted, select not to enter the initial configuration wizard.
        6. After the switch finishes booting, it will automatically enter user mode. Enter privileged EXEC mode, then rename the original configuration file and copy it to the current system configuration (to retain existing settings except the password).
        7. Enter global configuration mode, reset the console user password, and run the save command to save the new configuration. This completes the password reset operation.
        Moduletek Limited is at your service.
        For Huawei switch password recovery, please refer to: Huawei Switch Password Recovery Guidelines.
        For further inquiries about the above content, please contact us at: sales@moduletek.com
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