How to Hardware Factory reset a Cisco ASA 5520?

[mthomaz]

Hi all,

I am trying to reset my Cisco ASA 5520 to the factory settings using the Reset button but it is not working.

I tried pressing the reset button for 15 seconds, and then for 30 seconds and nothing happens... What am I doing wrong? 

I don't have access to that ASA anymore (i.e don't know its IPs) so that's why I need to reset it.

Cheers!

[Marvin Rhoads]

Use the console connection and follow this procedure:

https://supportforums.cisco.com/t5/security-documents/asa-password-recovery/ta-p/3126046

Stop at step 11 and you will be in a default configuration.

[mthomaz]

Unfortunately, I don't have the Console cable anymore...

[Marvin Rhoads · Accepted solution]

It's a generic serial console cable. You can find one at most computer stores or online for less than US$10.

https://www.amazon.com/Cisco-72-3383-01-Rollover-Console-Female/dp/B005S2KPPU/ref=pd_sim_147_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005S2KPPU&pd_rd_r=4fc988e8-6a47-11e8-aae7-6de0eed77770&pd_rd_w=fBItE&pd_rd_wg=2COPo&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&p...

If you don't have serial ports on your computer then add on one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Converter-Installation-Universal-TU-S9/dp/B0007T27H8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1528371500&sr=8-5&keywords=usb+to+serial+adapter