Reset a lost, forgotten, or compromised password using a DVD

Updated: September 18, 2026

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Provides instructions on how to regain administrative access to your system by using a bootable DVD to reset your credentials. This recovery method provides a secure way to restore control when standard login methods are unavailable.

Before you begin

Understand these connection-related conditions that can cause problems when you use the Cisco ISE software DVD to start device.

If your terminal server associated with the serial console connection to the Cisco ISE appliance is set to exec, only one connection method is available. After you set it to no exec, you can use both a keyboard and video monitor connection and a serial console connection.
If you have a keyboard and video monitor connection to the Cisco ISE appliance, you can use a remote keyboard and video monitor connection or a VMware vSphere client console connection.
Ensure you have a serial console connection to the Cisco ISE appliance.

Procedure

Ensure that the Cisco ISE device is powered up.
Insert the Cisco ISE software DVD.
Use the arrow keys to select System Utilities (Serial Console) if you use a local serial console port connection or select System Utilities (Keyboard/Monitor) if you use a keyboard and video monitor connection to the appliance, and press Enter.
The system displays the ISO uses menu as shown here.
```
Available System Utilities:
  [1] Recover Administrator Password
  [2] Virtual Machine Resource Check
  [3] Perform System Erase
  [q] Quit and reload
Enter option [1 - 3] q to Quit:
```

Enter 1 to recover the administrator password.

The console displays:


Admin Password Recovery
This utility will reset the password for the specified ADE-OS administrator.
At most the first five administrators will be listed. To cancel without
saving changes, enter [q] to Quit and return to the utilities menu.

[1]:admin
[2]:admin2
[3]:admin3
[4]:admin4

Enter choice between [1 - 4] or q to Quit: 2

Password:
Verify password:

Save change and reboot? [Y/N]:

Enter the number for the admin user whose password you want to reset.
Enter the new password and verify it.
Enter Y to save the changes.

Need help?

Open a support case

(Requires a Cisco Service Contract)

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