Using a Question Mark (?) in the MOTD

[kennethrhea]

Is it possible to use a question mark in the MOTD? On my 3745, the IOS thinks I want help when trying to end my MOTD with a question mark:

R1#conf t
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
R1(config)#banner motd 'Using a question mark?
LINE <cr>

R1(config)#banner motd 'Using a question mark

Is there a way to make the IOS understand that I don't want help, but want to actually use the ? in my banner?

[Rolf Fischer]

Hi,

normally you use a delimiting character after the 'banner motd' command, e.g.:

R1(config)#banner motd &
Enter TEXT message.  End with the character '&'.
?
?
&

R1(config)#do show run | begin banner
banner motd ^C
?
?
^C

If you want to use a question mark as the delimiting character, type [ctrl] + [v] and then [?]

HTH
Rolf

[Richard Burts]

My understanding of the question is a bit different from Rolf who assumes that the original poster wants to use the question mark as the delimiter. I believe that the original poster wants to enter the question mark as punctuation in the text of the banner. But Rolf has provided the correct answer to either version of the question. If you type CTRL and V and then type ? the IOS will use the character and not interpret it as a request for help.

HTH

Rick