12-08-2012 08:19 AM - edited 03-07-2019 10:28 AM
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!
Solved! Go to Solution.
12-08-2012 08:36 AM
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.
Lice chat software for websites.
12-08-2012 08:36 AM
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.
Lice chat software for websites.
12-08-2012 10:10 AM
I tried both several time but no luck! I accidentally hit answered!!
12-08-2012 01:21 PM
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.
09-06-2019 10:51 AM
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>
10-06-2022 11:03 AM
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
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