Where is the config stored on a GESM 371098-001 blade switch?

[zaktros]

                  I received 3 GESM cisco blade switches for a HP Blade system. I do not have the chassis. I need to sanitize these blade switches but I have never worked with these. I don't see any removable flash. Where is the config stored?

[Gregory Snipes]

The config is stored in "nvram:" filesystem, It is not necessary to know that however as "erase startup-config" will delete it regardless of it's location.

That said, I am not sure how you would power them up to sanitize them if you do not have a chassis for them. The NVRAM is soldered to the board.

[Gregory Snipes]

Oh, and here is the guidance for that device if you want. The relevant information is under "Working with the Flash File System".

[zaktros]

Thanks! I guess I will have to remove the nvram from the board. Any idea which chip(s) it or they are?

[Gregory Snipes]

Since removing the NVRAM chip is going to render the thing completely inoperable anyway, I would just repeatedly smash the whole thing with a hammer. The chip would be a single small flash chip soldered directly to the board, best I can do in that respect.

Edit: OOOOooooo.... or light them on fire.

[Gregory Snipes]

Pulverizing with a hammer and lighting on fire were both approved methods for destroying classified electronics when I work for the government, also lighting off a thermite grenade on top of a pile of them, but was only to be used in combat when under attack. So either of these methods should be sufficient to protect your security.

[zaktros]

Thanks for your help. I will remove the motherboard and have it burned and scrap the rest of it.

[zaktros]

The grenade sounds like the fun way to do it. Some of our sites have used steamrollers to sanitize their equipment. Others have taken them out to the range...