Worked on a used cisco switch 2960 which has been configured password. Following steps have been recorded how to get into recover mode.

1. Connect Console Cable

Cisco provides a couple of ports for console access, such as Console port, Mini USB port, AUX port. I has a previous post “Using Cisco Mini USB Console Cable to Configure Cisco Switches and Routers” for Mini USB usage. Usually old fashion way to use console port is still prevailing.

Configure the baud rate and character format of the PC or terminal to match these console port default characteristics:

  • 9600 baud
  • 8 data bits
  • No parity
  • 1 stop bit

2. Hold down MODE Button while powering on the device

Note: for Cisco routers and certain type of Cisco switch (2955), it will require press Break Button / Ctrl+Break on terminal window to interrupt boot procedure.


Using driver version 1 for media type 1
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:26:ca:28:4e:80
Xmodem file system is available.
The password-recovery mechanism is enabled.

The system has been interrupted prior to initializing the
flash filesystem.  The following commands will initialize
the flash filesystem, and finish loading the operating
system software:

    flash_init
    boot

switch: 




On System 3560, the output will be a little difference:

Using driver version 1 for media type 1
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:26:ca:28:4e:80
Xmodem file system is available.
The password-recovery mechanism is enabled.

The system has been interrupted prior to initializing the
flash filesystem.  The following commands will initialize
the flash filesystem, and finish loading the operating
system software:

    flash_init
    load_helper
    boot

switch: 



3. Initialize the flash file system and delete old configuration file

note: you also can use command ‘dir flash:‘ to list files and rename configuration file with rename command ‘rename flash:config.text flash:config.text.old

switch: flash_init
Initializing Flash…
mifs[2]: 0 files, 1 directories
mifs[2]: Total bytes     :    3870720
mifs[2]: Bytes used      :       1024
mifs[2]: Bytes available :    3869696
mifs[2]: mifs fsck took 1 seconds.
mifs[3]: 531 files, 19 directories
mifs[3]: Total bytes     :   27998208
mifs[3]: Bytes used      :    9988096
mifs[3]: Bytes available :   18010112
mifs[3]: mifs fsck took 6 seconds.
…done Initializing Flash.

switch: del flash:config.text
Are you sure you want to delete “flash:config.text” (y/n)?y
File “flash:config.text” deleted

switch: del falsh:vlan.dat
Are you sure you want to delete “falsh:vlan.dat” (y/n)?y
File “falsh:vlan.dat” not deleted — no such device


On System 3560:

switch: flash_init
Initializing Flash…
flashfs[0]: 458 files, 6 directories
flashfs[0]: 0 orphaned files, 0 orphaned directories
flashfs[0]: Total bytes: 32514048
flashfs[0]: Bytes used: 9073664
flashfs[0]: Bytes available: 23440384
flashfs[0]: flashfs fsck took 7 seconds.
…done Initializing Flash.
Boot Sector Filesystem (bs) installed, fsid: 3
Setting console baud rate to 9600…

switch: dir flash:
Directory of flash:/

2    -rwx  4154                     20110718-afterEVDO.txt
3    -rwx  4034                     backup-201107018-beforeEVDO.txt
4    -rwx  2056                     vlan.dat
5    -rwx  9071                     config.text
7    drwx  192                     c3560-ipbase-mz.122-35.SE5
465  -rwx  5                       private-config.text

23440384 bytes available (9073664 bytes used)

switch: rename flash:config.text flash:config.old

switch: dir flash:
Directory of flash:/

2    -rwx  4154                     20110718-afterEVDO.txt
3    -rwx  4034                     backup-201107018-beforeEVDO.txt
4    -rwx  2056                     vlan.dat
5    -rwx  9071                     config.old
7    drwx  192                     c3560-ipbase-mz.122-35.SE5
465  -rwx  5                       private-config.text

23440384 bytes available (9073664 bytes used)


4. Reboot the system with default configuration

switch: boot
Loading “flash:c2960-lanlitek9-mz.122-44.SE6/c2960-lanlitek9-mz.122-44.SE6.bin”… @@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
File “flash:c2960-lanlitek9-mz.122-44.SE6/c2960-lanlitek9-mz.122-44.SE6.bin” uncompressed and installed, entry point: 0x3000
executing…

              Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c) of the Commercial Computer Software – Restricted
Rights clause at FAR sec. 52.227-19 and subparagraph
(c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer
Software clause at DFARS sec. 252.227-7013.

           cisco Systems, Inc.
           170 West Tasman Drive
           San Jose, California 95134-1706



Cisco IOS Software, C2960 Software (C2960-LANLITEK9-M), Version 12.2(44)SE6, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-2009 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Mon 09-Mar-09 18:10 by gereddy
Image text-base: 0x00003000, data-base: 0x01000000

Initializing flashfs…
Using driver version 1 for media type 1
mifs[3]: 0 files, 1 directories
mifs[3]: Total bytes     : 3870720
mifs[3]: Bytes used      : 1024
mifs[3]: Bytes available : 3869696
mifs[3]: mifs fsck took 0 seconds.
mifs[3]: Initialization complete.

mifs[4]: 530 files, 19 directories
mifs[4]: Total bytes     : 27998208
mifs[4]: Bytes used      : 9985536
mifs[4]: Bytes available : 18012672
mifs[4]: mifs fsck took 1 seconds.
mifs[4]: Initialization complete.

…done Initializing flashfs.

Checking for Bootloader upgrade.. not needed

POST: CPU MIC register Tests : Begin
POST: CPU MIC register Tests : End, Status Passed

POST: PortASIC Memory Tests : Begin
POST: PortASIC Memory Tests : End, Status Passed

POST: CPU MIC interface Loopback Tests : Begin
POST: CPU MIC interface Loopback Tests : End, Status Passed

POST: PortASIC RingLoopback Tests : Begin
POST: PortASIC RingLoopback Tests : End, Status Passed

POST: PortASIC CAM Subsystem Tests : Begin
POST: PortASIC CAM Subsystem Tests : End, Status Passed

POST: PortASIC Port Loopback Tests : Begin
POST: PortASIC Port Loopback Tests : End, Status Passed

Waiting for Port download…Complete


This product contains cryptographic features and is subject to United
States and local country laws governing import, export, transfer and
use. Delivery of Cisco cryptographic products does not imply
third-party authority to import, export, distribute or use encryption.
Importers, exporters, distributors and users are responsible for
compliance with U.S. and local country laws. By using this product you
agree to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If you are unable
to comply with U.S. and local laws, return this product immediately.

A summary of U.S. laws governing Cisco cryptographic products may be found at:
http://www.cisco.com/wwl/export/crypto/tool/stqrg.html

If you require further assistance please contact us by sending email to
[email protected].

cisco WS-C2960-24-S (PowerPC405) processor (revision C0) with 61440K/4088K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FOC1330Y46Z
Last reset from power-on
1 Virtual Ethernet interface
24 FastEthernet interfaces
The password-recovery mechanism is enabled.

64K bytes of flash-simulated non-volatile configuration memory.
Base ethernet MAC Address       : 00:26:CA:28:4E:80
Motherboard assembly number     : 73-11471-05
Power supply part number        : 341-0097-02
Motherboard serial number       : FOC133106GX
Power supply serial number      : AZS132908XC
Model revision number           : C0
Motherboard revision number     : A0
Model number                    : WS-C2960-24-S
System serial number            : FOC1330Y46Z
Top Assembly Part Number        : 800-29858-02
Top Assembly Revision Number    : C0
Version ID                      : V03
CLEI Code Number                : COMSJ00ARC
Hardware Board Revision Number  : 0x01


Switch Ports Model              SW Version            SW Image
—— —– —–              ———-            ———-
*    1 24    WS-C2960-24-S      12.2(44)SE6           C2960-LANLITEK9-M




         — System Configuration Dialog —

Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]:no


Reboot Switch 3560:

switch: boot
Loading “flash:c3560-ipbase-mz.122-35.SE5/c3560-ipbase-mz.122-35.SE5.bin”…
@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
“flash:c3560-ipbase-mz.122-35.SE5/c3560-ipbase-mz.122-35.SE5.bin” uncompressed and installed, entry point: 0x3000
executing…

              Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c) of the Commercial Computer Software – Restricted
Rights clause at FAR sec. 52.227-19 and subparagraph
(c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer
Software clause at DFARS sec. 252.227-7013.

           cisco Systems, Inc.
           170 West Tasman Drive
           San Jose, California 95134-1706



Cisco IOS Software, C3560 Software (C3560-IPBASE-M), Version 12.2(35)SE5, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-2007 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 19-Jul-07 18:15 by nachen
Image text-base: 0x00003000, data-base: 0x01100000

Initializing flashfs…

flashfs[1]: 458 files, 6 directories
flashfs[1]: 0 orphaned files, 0 orphaned directories
flashfs[1]: Total bytes: 32514048
flashfs[1]: Bytes used: 9073664
flashfs[1]: Bytes available: 23440384
flashfs[1]: flashfs fsck took 1 seconds.
flashfs[1]: Initialization complete….done Initializing flashfs.

front_end/ (directory)
extracting front_end/fe_type_1 (34696 bytes)
extracting front_end/front_end_ucode_info (43 bytes)
extracting ucode_info (76 bytes)
POST: CPU MIC register Tests : Begin
POST: CPU MIC register Tests : End, Status Passed

POST: PortASIC Memory Tests : Begin
POST: PortASIC Memory Tests : End, Status Passed

POST: CPU MIC interface Loopback Tests : Begin
POST: CPU MIC interface Loopback Tests : End, Status Passed

POST: PortASIC RingLoopback Tests : Begin
POST: PortASIC RingLoopback Tests : End, Status Passed

POST: PortASIC CAM Subsystem Tests : Begin
POST: PortASIC CAM Subsystem Tests : End, Status Passed

POST: PortASIC Port Loopback Tests : Begin
POST: PortASIC Port Loopback Tests : End, Status Passed

Waiting for Port download…Complete


This product contains cryptographic features and is subject to United
States and local country laws governing import, export, transfer and
use. Delivery of Cisco cryptographic products does not imply
third-party authority to import, export, distribute or use encryption.
Importers, exporters, distributors and users are responsible for
compliance with U.S. and local country laws. By using this product you
agree to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If you are unable
to comply with U.S. and local laws, return this product immediately.

A summary of U.S. laws governing Cisco cryptographic products may be found at:
http://www.cisco.com/wwl/export/crypto/tool/stqrg.html

If you require further assistance please contact us by sending email to
[email protected].

cisco WS-C3560G-48TS (PowerPC405) processor (revision D0) with 122880K/8184K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FOC1332W23F
Last reset from power-on
1 Virtual Ethernet interface
52 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
The password-recovery mechanism is enabled.

512K bytes of flash-simulated non-volatile configuration memory.
Base ethernet MAC Address       : 00:26:CA:45:DB:80
Motherboard assembly number     : 73-10214-04
Power supply part number        : 341-0107-01
Motherboard serial number       : FOC13322VSE
Power supply serial number      : AZS132709CX
Model revision number           : D0
Motherboard revision number     : D0
Model number                    : WS-C3560G-48TS-S
System serial number            : FOC1332W23F
Top Assembly Part Number        : 800-26849-01
Top Assembly Revision Number    : C0
Version ID                      : V03
CLEI Code Number                : CNMWY00ARC
Hardware Board Revision Number  : 0x09


Switch Ports Model              SW Version            SW Image                
—— —– —–              ———-            ———-              
*    1 52    WS-C3560G-48TS     12.2(46)SE            C3560-IPBASEK9-M        




Press RETURN to get started!


*Mar  1 00:02:28.906: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Vlan1, changed state to down
*Mar  1 00:02:31.062: %SPANTREE-5-EXTENDED_SYSID: Extended SysId enabled for type vlan
*Mar  1 00:02:52.813: %SYS-5-RESTART: System restarted —
Cisco IOS Software, C3560 Software (C3560-IPBASEK9-M), Version 12.2(46)SE, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Copyright (c) 1986-2008 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 21-Aug-08 15:26 by nachen


         — System Configuration Dialog —

Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]:


Reference:

1. Cisco Catalyst Fixed Configuration Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches
2. All Cisco Products Password Recovery Procedures

By Jon

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