problems with load_helper

[tnitz]

                 I have a cisco 2960 switch.  Trying to recover a password.  Have tried several different ways to recover it.  I have let the switch load completely, then pressing the mode button waiting for the light to turn amber and then green.  I also have held the mode button down, plugged the switch back in until the mode light turns from amber to green.  Either way I will type flash_init. Then when I type load_helper I get a invalid command response.  The command load_helper isn't even listed.  Any hints on how to recover it would be greatly appreciated.

I accidentally hit answered!

[graham smart · Accepted solution]

Have you tried

dir flash:

anyway?

if it works, just rename the config file and type boot.

ie:

rename flash:config.text flash:config:backup

boot

??

-Graham

Please note: My comments are simply suggestions. I cannot be held  liable for any loss of data, life or marbles due to following my  instructions.

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[tnitz]

I tried both several time but no luck!  I accidentally hit answered!!

[CHAD REID]

tnitz, if you do nothing does the switch appear to load its configuration properly? If not, then the flash may be corrupted and that may be why you're having issues.

I assume you've searched the Cisco website and read through the password recovery procedures for that particular switch and IOS version? I ask because I've had experience with different models having slightly different password recovery procedures. In addition, what commands you can run, such as dir flash:, can only be ran after you've initialized the flash and ran the load_helper. You must run the flash_init before you can execute a dir flash: command.

[jason.kinney]

You will need to follow the commands, from the link provided below, but after you run the flash_init command prform the following:

Enter the command "dir flash:"  This command will list the files stored in flash. 

Next, enter the command "rename flash:config.text flash:config.text.old"

Then, enter the command "boot"

You may have to press the "Enter" key if there is a long pause upon reboot

Finally, enter "n" when the switch prompts the following "Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog?"

switch: flash_int

switch:  dir flash:

switch: rename flash:config.text flash:config.text.old

switch: boot

Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no] no

Switch>

[Tauhassan]

Hi, no worries, please follow the steps:

Restart the Switch and press MODE button Approx few Seconds

Step 1 Initialize the flash file system:

Type flash_init

switch: flash_init

Display the contents of flash memory:

switch: dir flash:

The switch file system appears:

Directory of flash:
13 drwx 192 Sep 20 20XX 02:30:48 c2950-i6k2l2q4-mz.121-22.EA14.bin
11 -rwx 5825 Sep 20 20XX 02:31:59 config.text
18 -rwx 720 Sep 20 20XX 02:21:30 vlan.dat

Rename the config.text file

switch: rename flash:config.text flash:config.old

then type boot

switch: boot

You are prompted to start the setup program. Enter N at the prompt:
Continue with the configuration dialog? [yes/no]: SAY N

At the switch prompt, enter privileged EXEC mode:

rename cofig.old file to config.text

rename flash:config.old flash:config.text

you will see you old switch hostname

go to config mode

reconfigure your username and password

That's it