Reset password Cisco Catalyst Switch 2950/2970

Jram August 21, 2014


To reset password of  2970 Switch, power off the switch and press MODE button then power it on, take a look at the SYS led when it glows green leave the mode button. To recover the password click here.
This procedure allows you to regain access to a Cisco 2970 switch if you've lost or forgotten the enable password.

Important Notes:

    This process involves interrupting the normal boot sequence.
    Physical access to the switch is required.
    You'll need a console cable to connect to the switch's console port.
    A terminal emulation program (like PuTTY, Tera Term, or SecureCRT) is needed on your computer.

Step-by-Step Guide:
  • Connect to the Console Port:
    • Connect one end of the console cable to the switch's console port (usually an RJ-45 port labeled "CONSOLE").
    • Connect the other end of the console cable to your computer's serial port or USB-to-serial adapter.

Configure Terminal Emulation Software:
        Open your terminal emulation program.
        Configure the following settings:
            Baud rate: 9600
            Data bits: 8
            Parity: None
            Stop bits: 1
            Flow control: None

Power Off the Switch:
        Disconnect the power cable from the switch.

    Press and Hold the MODE Button:
        Locate the MODE button on the front of the switch.
        Press and hold the MODE button.

    Power On the Switch:
        While still holding the MODE button, reconnect the power cable to the switch.

    Release the MODE Button:
        Watch the SYS LED (System LED).
        When the SYS LED turns solid green, release the MODE button.
        You should now be in the switch's ROMMON (ROM Monitor) mode. You will see a prompt like "switch:".
switch: flash_init
switch: dir flash:

Initialize the Flash File System:

  • At the "switch:" prompt, type flash_init and press Enter.
  • This command initializes the flash file system, allowing you to access the switch's configuration files.
switch: delete flash:config.text
switch: delete  flash:vlan.dat

Load the Configuration File:

    Type load_helper and press Enter.
    Type dir flash: and press enter. This will show you the files in the flash memory.
    Type rename flash:config.text flash:config.old and press enter. This will rename the config file, so the switch will boot without loading the old password.



Now your switch has been reset, you can reconfigure the switch. 

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Posted by Jram