Authentication Failure

[DEENA VERAPPAN]

Hi All, I'kinda stranded and maybe even stuck for a solution. I'm connected to my Cisco 3650 switch over the console port, when I try to enter enable mode I get an % Error in authentication.

cat3650>ena
% Error in authentication.

I'd like to erase the configuration and start from scratch, but I need to get into enable mode to do that. 

I've tried a hard boot, holding down the mode button and powering the switch, however when I load the ios from flash

switch: boot flash:xxx.bin

get the same problem.

Version: WS-C3650-48PS 16.3.5b

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Deena 

[johnd2310]

HI,

Have you tried going into rom mode and configuring the switch to ignore the startup configuration? You can use the procedure in the following url under the section "Recovering from a Lost or Forgotten Password":

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3650/software/release/3se/system_management/configuration_guide/b_sm_3se_3650_cg/b_sm_3se_3650_cg_chapter_01111.html#task_1021182

Thanks