If you've ever needed to reset a Cisco Catalyst switch to it's factory default (locked out, perhaps?), you've probably spent some time digging around on Cisco's web site. The Catalyst password recovery procedure starts off by reseting the Catalyst to it's original factory settings. Below, I'm going to give you a quick run-down of what you need to know out of that document. I'll assume that you already have the a serial cable connected to the device and you're staring at a Password: prompt.
- Power off the switch, hold down the Mode button, and power the switch back on. How long you have to hold down the Mode button depends on the model of Catalyst you're using. For reference, I've included the table from the Cisco documentation as Table 1 below. The switch should now be at a
switch:prompt. - flash_init The
flash_initcommand initializes the flash. There will be some scrolling text as the switch tells you what it's doing, but it should end at theswitch:prompt. - load_helper This command has no output and returns you immediately to the
switch:prompt. - rename flash:config.text flash:config.old This will save the startup-config so that you can use it later. When the switch boots, it will be back to factory default. It should return you to the
switch:prompt. - boot This will load IOS and should end at the System Configuration Dialog.
At this point, you can either reconfigure the switch from scratch, or use the saved configuration to reset the password.
| Catalyst Switch Series | LED Behavior and Mode Button Release Action |
|---|---|
| 2900XL, 3500XL, 3550 | Release the Mode button when the LED above Port1x goes out. |
| 2940, 2950 | Release the Mode button after approximately 5 seconds when the Status (STAT) LED goes out. When you release the Mode button, the SYST LED blinks amber. |
| 2960, 2970 | Release the Mode button when the SYST LED blinks amber and then turns solid green. When you release the Mode button, the SYST LED blinks green. |
| 3560, 3750 | Release the Mode button after approximately 15 seconds when the SYST LED turns solid green. When you release the Mode button, the SYST LED blinks green. |
Related Reading:
- Cisco Field Manual: Catalyst Switch Configuration by David Hucaby, Stephen McQuerry
- Cisco Catalyst LAN Switching by Louis R. Rossi, Thomas Rossi
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Thanks for the great article.
to delete old vlan configuration you need to issue:
switch# delete vlan.dat
Great article ..
I like when people explain in few words and when you try it works without problem...
thanks
Glad it helped!
i am working on a 3560 poe-24
you put me on the right track, thank you. there is no power switch, so while it was on the command prompt, i held the mode button for about 5 sec, then it reset into the switch command.
thanks for your insight
Im using a cisco catalyst 3560 series POE-8 and I cant get into prompt command. a fallowed the steps for the 3560 but it does not work. any one help please.