Unable to factory reset cisco 9300L switch to default settings.

[New2Cisco]

Hello All,

We are unable to reset our switch to the factory settings.  Its a new switch out off the box that we configured (attempted to configure) and hosed it up.  The factory default password isn't working user ID cisco and PW using the system SN.  We tried removing the power, holding the mode button and restoring power with no luck.  It does boot to the "switch:" prompt but nothing after this point.  Could you please advise how we can resolve this issue?

Thanks,

Patric

[M02@rt37 · Accepted solution]

Hello @New2Cisco 

You sure you follow this ?

Power cycle the switch. Immediatly press and hold the Mode button. Hold the button till the Status LED will go amber. Then on the console you should be in Boot Loader...

In that forum, Mode button does not function like this, so try also:

1.Reboot your C9300

2.Do not touch that Mode button now

3.Pay close attention to the console during boot. When the line "Last reset cause: SoftwareReload" appears, press the Mode button 3 times.  

[New2Cisco]

Hello thanks for the reply.  Yes the steps I performed.  Removed power from the switch, press and hold the mode button and re-apply power.  The switch boots but after a minute the green light flashes.  It never turns amber.  
 As for the second option I did attempt that as well but I believe I missed the mark.  Again I will try your suggestion again and update you.

I will try again in the morning.  Thanks again for the reply.  

[Leo Laohoo]

---

@New2Cisco wrote:
Removed power from the switch, press and hold the mode button and re-apply power.

---

That's not going to work.  

Please read & understand the response from M02@rt37.

---

M02@rt37 wrote:

2.Do not touch that Mode button now

3.Pay close attention to the console during boot. When the line "Last reset cause: SoftwareReload" appears, press the Mode button 3 times.  

[New2Cisco]

Hello Leo, I am attempting to follow as suggested.  "Pay close attention to the console during boot. When the line "Last reset cause: SoftwareReload" appears, press the Mode button 3 times."

 When doing so I get the following as shown in the attachment.

[M02@rt37 · Accepted solution]

@New2Cisco 

you ave the Rommon prompt switch:

Add the following variables to ignore the startup configuration :
switch: SWITCH_IGNORE_STARTUP_CFG=1

Boot the switch.
switch: boot

Once the switch has booted, copy the saved config back into the run config :
Switch# copy start runn

Next set your password. Remove the variables we set in Boot loader :
switch# no system ignore startupconfig switch all

Save your new configuration:
switch# copy runn start

[New2Cisco]

Yes, sir this has resolved our issue.  Thank you so much for your fast reply.  As stated, I'm new to Cisco.  Your help is/was greatly appreciated.  @M02@rt37 again I am thankful for your help.  @Leo Laohoo thank you for the additional push making sure I'm following the instructions give.   

[M02@rt37]

Happy for you @New2Cisco 

You're so welcome.

[Tmick25]

Hi MO2@rt37,

I have a similar issue and follow your instructions.

but switch is not accepting the no system ignore startupconfig switch all command.

Now my switch does not load the startup config.

Any ideas on how to resolve this?

Best Regards

[M02@rt37]

Hello @Tmick25 

What is the symptom ?

Swicth boot and it is stuck into ROMmon ?

[Tmick25]

Yes, 

Copy start run brings up the startup config but it will not load when I reboot the switch. 

[Leo Laohoo]

If the switch has boot into IOS-XE, post the complete output to the command "sh romvar". 

If the switch is in ROMMON, post the complete output to the command "set".

[Tmick25]

Switch#sh romvar
----------------------------------
ROMMON variables for Active Switch
----------------------------------
ABNORMAL_RESET_COUNT=0
AUTO_SWITCH_CONSOLE_DISABLE=0
BAUD=9600
BOARDID=28779
BOOT=flash:packages.conf;
BSI=0
CONSOLE_MIRRORING_DISABLE=0
MAC_ADDR=9C:09:8B:AA:2E:80
MANUAL_BOOT=no
MODEL_NUM=C9300L-24UXG-4X
MODEL_REVISION_NUM=C1
MOTHERBOARD_ASSEMBLY_NUM=73-102176-03
MOTHERBOARD_REVISION_NUM=A1
MOTHERBOARD_SERIAL_NUM=FVH28221M9K
RANDOM_NUM=574204368
RET_2_RCALTS=
RET_2_RTS=
ROMMON_AUTOBOOT_ATTEMPT=3
SWITCH_IGNORE_STARTUP_CFG=1
SWITCH_NUMBER=1
SYSTEM_SERIAL_NUM=FVH2823L7NL
TEMPLATE=access
USB_DISABLE=0
VERSION_ID=V03
Switch#

[Leo Laohoo]

---

@Tmick25 wrote:

SWITCH_IGNORE_STARTUP_CFG=1

---

Here is the reason why.

Fix it by doing the following: 

conf t
 no system ignore startupconfig switch all
end
wr

[Tmick25]

Thank you so much, That solves it. 

I appreciate your help.