% No authentication server running

[FSuarez]

Hello all!

So here's a quick explanation of the problem I'm facing atm:

I recently started studing for ICND1 certification, and after plugging my 2960 switch to start the labs, was running the first basic configuration.

After setting up local users/passwords, I wanted to remove the password to enter enable mode, because I thought I could skip that since I have username and password login set for the console. What I did was, and since I couldn't find who to do it, tried no enable secret, saved the config and reloaded the switch.

Now, after booting, and logging in with my username and password, try to enter enable mode, and get the following message:

>enable
% No authentication server running

Any tips on how to revert this, since I saved the startup-config?

Thanks!

[marce1000 · Accepted solution]

 - Have a (factory) defaults reset of the switch and restore a valid configuration.

M.

[FSuarez]

Thanks for the help.

That's exaclty what I did, did set up everything back as it was, but still can't figure how to deactivate/override password to enter enable mode.

Regards.

[Reza Sharifi · Accepted solution]

Try doing a password recovery by following this link step-by-step:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960/software/release/15-0_2_se/configuration/guide/scg2960/swtrbl.html

HTH

[FSuarez]

Hello Reza,

Thank you for the suggestion.

The problem was solved in the meanwhile, but now my question was basically would like to understand exaclty what I did, and how to remove/override password prompt for Previleged mode.

Thanks

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi,

Basically you rename the config file (step-8)  on flash to some other name, so you can boot the switch and gain access to the device.  Once you are on the device, you change the password to whatever you like to be and also change the config name back to its original name. After that you load the file to the startup-config (step 13) and reboot.

HTH