Manually Reset the Password on a Cisco Router
Introduction      Requirements      Reset the Router Password           Bypass Running Configuration           Create a New Password      Troubleshoot the Procedure      Next Step      Related Information	Download PDF   Manually Reset the Password on a Cisco Router

Introduction

This document describes how to reset your password if you lose the enable password for your Cisco router.

The SMB Support Assistant Client can help you reset the password on your router. For more information on the Client, refer to Download the SMB Support Assistant Client.

If you prefer to reset the password manually, follow the instructions in this document.

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Requirements

• A console cable. For more information about cables, refer to Cable Descriptions.

• Terminal emulation software such as HyperTerminal

  Note: For more information about how to create a terminal connection, refer to Create a HyperTerminal Connection.

• Approximately 30 minutes of network downtime

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Reset the Router Password

To reset the enable secret password on your router, follow these steps:

Bypass Running Configuration

In order to gain access to manage the router, you need to bypass the running configuration. Follow these steps:

1. Connect a PC to the router with a console cable.

2. Create a HyperTerminal connection to your router. For more information, refer to Create a HyperTerminal Connection.

3. Power off the router, and then power it on.

4. When the router begins to power on, press the break key sequence within 60 seconds to interrupt the boot sequence and force the router into ROM monitor (ROMmon) mode. The break key sequence is Ctrl + Break for Windows XP and 2000 with HyperTerminal. For further assistance with break key sequences, refer to the documentation for your terminal emulation application and operating system.

   System Bootstrap, Version 12.2(7r)XM2, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
   TAC Support: http://www.cisco.com/tac
   Copyright (c) 2003 by cisco Systems, Inc.
   C1700 platform with 98304 Kbytes of main memory
   
   monitor: command "boot" aborted due to user interrupt
   rommon 1 >

5. Type confreg 0x2142 and press Enter to prompt the router to boot without loading the configuration file in memory.

   rommon 1 > confreg 0x2142
   
   You must reset or power cycle for new config to take effect

   The number that displays after the rommon prompt indicates the number of lines you enter. If you make a typing mistake, retype the commands at the next prompt.

6. Type reset and press Enter to reboot the router.

   rommon 2 > reset
   System Bootstrap, Version 12.2(7r)XM2, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
   TAC Support: http://www.cisco.com/tac
   Copyright (c) 2003 by cisco Systems, Inc.

This example shows the output from the router:

Create a New Password

To create a new password, follow these steps:

1. After the router reboots, type n and press Enter to skip the initial configuration dialogue.

            --- System Configuration Dialog ---
   
   Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]: n
   
   Press RETURN to get started!

   Note: If the router displays additional output, press Enter to display the router prompt.

2. Type enable and press Enter to access privileged mode.

   Router> enable
   Router#

3. Type copy startup-config running-config and press Enter to load the saved configuration, and then press Enter again to confirm the destination filename.

   Note: The router prompt changes from Router# to the host name in the saved configuration. The router prompt should match the hostname you entered in the Internet Worksheet (B52).

   Router# copy startup-config running-config
   Destination filename [running-config]?
   
   2341 bytes copied in 5.120 secs (457 bytes/sec)
   CiscoRouter#

4. Type configure terminal and press Enter to enter configuration mode.

   CiscoRouter# configure terminal
   Enter configuration commands, one per line.  End with CNTL/Z.
   CiscoRouter(config)#

5. Type enable secret password and press Enter to reset the enable secret password. Use the enable secret password you entered in the Internet Worksheet (B12).

   CiscoRouter(config)# enable secret password
   
   CiscoRouter(config)#

6. Type username username privilege 15 password password and press Enter. Use the administrative account and password you entered in the Internet Worksheet (B10, B11).

   CiscoRouter(config)# username username
   		  privilege 15 password password
   
   CiscoRouter(config)#

7. Type config-register 0x2102 and press Enter. This command changes the configuration so that the router will not bypass the configuration in memory when booting.

   CiscoRouter(config)# config-register 0x2102
   CiscoRouter(config)#

8. Type end and press Enter to leave configuration mode.

   CiscoRouter(config)# end
   CiscoRouter#

9. Type write memory and press Enter to save the new configuration.

   CiscoRouter# write memory
   Building configuration...
   [OK]
   CiscoRouter#

10. Type exit and press Enter to exit the terminal session.

11. Click File > Exit to exit HyperTerminal.

This example shows the output from the router:

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Troubleshoot the Procedure

This section provides information about common problems that you may encounter. If this information does not solve your problem, contact the SMB Technical Assistance Center (SMB TAC) for assistance.

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Next Step

You have completed the password recovery procedure. You can access the router with your new password.

To make further changes to your router, refer to the Router Support Page.

To configure other devices in your network, refer to the Configuration Overview Page.

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Related Information

• Cable Descriptions
• Create a HyperTerminal Connection