3850 switch will not enter ROMMON mode

[KMNRuser]

We are trying to get a configuration off of an older, no longer in production 3850 (C3850-48T).

I am following instructions which is to say that i have:

1.  Depressed and held the mode button down while plugging the switch into AC power.

2.  Wait and watch 12-15 seconds until SYS light turns amber, then release the MODE button.

[balaji.bandi]

Can you connect the console and post complete boot log while you trying to press the reset button and released.

follow below steps :

https://community.cisco.com/t5/networking-knowledge-base/password-recovery-on-cisco-catalyst-3850/ta-p/3154378

[KMNRuser]

Balaji,

Thank you for your response.  I have attached the log output.  it is almost as if the Mode button is inoperative.  I feel it depress, but there is no indication in the output that the MODE button is ever pressed.. 

[balaji.bandi · Accepted solution]

Not that we see you presses the Mode Button to reset .

if you press the button you sure see the switch: (prompt)

another  blog for reference to get switch:

https://www.rogerperkin.co.uk/cisco/password-recovery/password-recovery-cisco-catalyst-3850/

[KMNRuser · Accepted solution]

We were able to use this document https://www.rogerperkin.co.uk/cisco/password-recovery/password-recovery-cisco-catalyst-3850/ and do a password reset.  The only procedure that worked was:

1.  Plug in the 3850 WITHOUT holding the Mode button.. you have to focus on it, and once it turns from Amber to Green and starts flashing** THEN depress the MODE button and hold it (i timed it > it took 80 seconds) until such time as all 4 FP LED's turn AMBER.. then release MODE button..  Then we were at the switch: prompt and could do what was needed to do to reset passwords and recove the box.