Cannot reset 2960 switch

[Clay Plaga]

I cannot reset a Cisco 2960 PoE-24 switch back to factory defaults with the mode button. The switch never goes into reset mode. after the switch completes the power cycle,  it just displays access verification with a username and password. The username seems to accept anything, but I don’t have the password. Is there anything else I can try?

Thank you.

[Martin L · Accepted solution]

have u tried reset process based on cisco tech doc?

Step 1:

Power off the switch first, then press and hold the mode button while you power on the switch again. Hold it for about 15 seconds until the SYS led is solid green, and then release it.

The switch should then give you this prompt:

switch:

Step 2:

To initialize the flash file system, run the command:

switch: flash_init

Step 3:

You can now list the contents of your flash by running

There should be a file named ‘config.text’, as you can rename this file as follows:

switch: rename flash:config.text flash: oldconfig.backup

Step 4:

To further boot the switch run the boot command as:
switch: boot

This will start the boot you are used to. When the switch is booted up, you will realize that the configuration is gone. But you are enabled on the switch now.

Step 5:

To recover the old configuration:

Switch#rename flash: oldconfig.backup flash:config.text

And now to replace the running configuration with the backup

Switch#copy flash: config.text running-config
Destination filename [running-config]?

Regards, ML
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[Martin L]

also see https://community.cisco.com/t5/switching/help-switch-2960-reset-no-password/m-p/1716517

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960/software/release/12.2_25_see/configuration/guide/swtrbl.html#wp1090048

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps628/products_password_recovery09186a0080094184.shtml

Regards, ML
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[Clay Plaga]

Yes, I have the switch working now. I made a note of your fix. Thank you very much.

[balaji.bandi]

Hopefully switch not configured as "no password recovery"

other wise below guide should able to help you.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/switches/catalyst-2950-series-switches/12040-pswdrec-2900xl.html

if not working please explain the process you followed, along with console logs.