03-20-2025 03:52 AM
I have 2 cbs350-24t-4x switches configured in a stack.
I can't log into management panel and so I want to reset the password.
I saw video how this can be done for one switch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBq5AIE8plI) and I read the article https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/smb/switches/cisco-small-business-300-series-managed-switches/smb4985-administrator-password-recovery-for-300-and-500-series-manag.html.
My question: what is the best Password Recovery procedure for 2 switches in stack?
Can Password Recovery be done so that at least one switch is working all the time (without downtime).
03-20-2025 04:09 AM
To recover the password for a stack of CBS350-24T-4X switches, connect to the console port, reboot the switch, interrupt the boot process, and select the password recovery option in the startup menu. This process must be done individually for each switch in the stack, and while recovering one switch, it will experience downtime. Perform recovery sequentially to ensure at least one switch stays operational.
03-20-2025 05:19 AM
Thank you for the reply.
After unplugging one switch and changing the password, I cannot plug it back in before changing the password on the second switch.
So, if I understand correctly, there must be a short downtime to disconnect a switch that has not yet had its password changed and connect a switch that has already had its password changed, yes?
03-20-2025 09:25 AM
Stack means 2 Physical switch and act as 1 virtual, master switch always hold all the configuration.
03-20-2025 06:13 PM
Thank you for the reply.
So all I need to do, if I understand you correctly, is:
1. disconnect master switch from the Network and secondary switch, (to keep the network working, I keep secondary switch connected to network all the time)
2. connect via console to master switch,
3. reboot master switch to reset password,
4. set a new password on master switch,
5. connect master switch to network and secondary switch
6. on secondary switch we do not need to perform any action because it will update the configuration from master swich after reconnecting them to each other.
Did I understand correctly steps you recommend to do to restore password?
03-20-2025 04:59 AM
You have the right guide the one posteds- always use master switch to reset the password.
Can Password Recovery be done so that at least one switch is working all the time (without downtime).
suggest to take downtime, and bringdown the stack in maintenance window, and do the password reset.
Note : always take the configuration backup out of the box.
Discover and save your favorite ideas. Come back to expert answers, step-by-step guides, recent topics, and more.
New here? Get started with these tips. How to use Community New member guide