C9500 | Issue accessing exec mode after installing new imagee

[Yahya]

Dear experts,

We have installed new image [ cat9k_iosxe.17.12.05.SPA.bin ]  on C9500. However, after restarting the device, we are prompted for password when attempting to enter enable (exec) mode.

We have tried several common\default password, but none have worked, at the moment we are not able to proceed with further configuration and troubleshooting.

Could you advice in how to recover access or  bypass the enable password? 

[MHM Cisco World]

https://youtu.be/320G4P5U8Sg?si=oICQvC0yH5BOGhED

MHM

[Enes Simnica]

hello @Yahya  After upgrading to IOS-XE 17.12.05, the enable password issue can be resolved via ROMMON, which means that u need to follow some steps................;

1. Reboot the switch and break into ROMMON (Ctrl+Break).

2. issue this command:

confreg 0x2142  
reset 

• The switch will boot without the config. Enter enabel (no password).

• Restore access:

copy start run  
configure terminal  
enable secret new_password 
config-register 0x2102  
write memory  
reload 

and for sure if ROMMON is locked, u may need to erase nvram config...

hope it helps and PEACE! 

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst9500/software/release/16-6/configuration_guide/sys_mgmt/b_166_sys_mgmt_9500_cg/b_166_sys_mgmt_9500_cg_chapter_01100.html#concept_xdx_dlz_n1b

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/switches/catalyst-9300-series-switches/216944-troubleshoot-bootloader-rommon-and-pas.html

-Enes