Catalyst Switch C3524 Disable User Name and Password

[Tang-Suan Tan]

Hi :

I tried to disable the username and password prompt of Catalyst switch C3524 by pressing the button at the port panel and then relaese during startup. It appers a switch: but I cannot find any way to skip the username and password.

Any advise? Thanks!

Best regards.

[Peter Paluch · Accepted solution]

Hello,

If you want to perform the so-called password recovery procedure, then in the switch: prompt, issue these commands:

flash_init
load_helper ! This command may not be recognized - no problem with that
rename flash:config.text flash:config.old
boot

Your switch will boot essentially without configuration. You will find the old startup-config stored as the file flash:config.old - you may then activate it using the command copy flash:config.old running-config or configure replace flash:config.old (the second command may not be supported) and then use the configuration mode to set up new passwords. Do not forget to save your configuration after these steps.

Best regards,

Peter

[Tang-Suan Tan]

Hi Peter :

Thanks Peter, it works!

Another question need your hlep is how to delete out this old config.old because I do not want it any more? Thanks!

regards.

[Peter Paluch · Accepted solution]

Hello,

You can delete the file from within the privileged EXEC mode using the command delete flash:config.old - please be sure that you really do not need the file anymore as it cannot be recovered once it is deleted.

Best regards,

Peter

[Tang-Suan Tan]

Hi Peter and everyone :

I have succefully deleted the config.old and also successfully enter the switch by skipping the username and password!

Thanks again!

Best regards!

[jamesmala]

you need to bypass the startup config. Press and hold the botton during startup till you get that screen, After that type in :flash_init" and "load_helper". once you do that rename the flash:config.text flash:config.old. after that is done then boot.

You may want to save the old file just in case, If not, then after it reboots it will go into the factory default config. type yes if you want to do that, no if you want to boot without that config.

once you do that you can always bring back the original file if you renamed it. just type " rename flash:config.old flash:config.text" then type load startup_config to running_config.

doing this saves all the settings and you can now delete or change the password. once done save the settings and you have it the way you want to have it.

If you do not want a password on it go to "line con 0 and type no password, that will erase the password on the system