Performing Factory Reset

Prerequisites for Performing Factory Reset

  • Ensure that all the software images, configurations, and personal data are backed up before performing the Factory Reset operation.

  • Ensure that the device is not in the stacking mode as Factory Reset is supported only in the standalone mode.

  • Ensure that there is uninterrupted power supply when the process is in progress.

  • Ensure that you take a backup of the current image before you begin the Factory Reset process.

  • Ensure that neither In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) nor In-Service Software Downgrade (ISSD) is in progress before starting the Factory Reset process.

Limitations for Performing Factory Reset

  • Software patches, if any, that are installed on the switch will not be restored after the Factory Reset operation.

  • If the Factory Reset command is issued through a vty session, the session is not restored after completion of the Factory Reset process.

Information About Factory Reset

Factory Reset removes all the customer specific data that has been added to the device since the time of its shipping. Data erased includes configurations, log files, boot variables, and core files.

The following table provides details about the data that is erased and retained during the Factory Reset process:

Table 1. Data Erased and Retained During Factory Reset

Data Erased

Data Retained

All Cisco IOS images, including the current boot image

Data from Remote field-replaceable units (FRUs)

Crash information and logs

Value of the configuration register

User data, and startup and running configuration

Contents of USB

Onboard Failure Logging(OBFL) logs

Credentials (Secure Unique Device Identifier [SUDI] certificates, public key infrastructure (PKI) keys, and FIPS-related keys)

ROMMON variables added by the user

Licenses

The device reloads to perform the Factory Reset task. Note that this reload results in a ROMMON mode.

After the Factory Reset operation is complete, you can load the Cisco ISO image either through a a USB or TFTP.

The Factory Reset process can be used in the following scenarios:

  • Return Material Authorization (RMA) for a device—If you have to return a device to Cisco for RMA, remove all the customer-specific data before obtaining an RMA certificate for the device.

  • Recovering the compromised device— If the key material or credentials stored on a device is compromised, reset the device to factory configuration, and then reconfigure the device.

How to Perform Factory Reset

Procedure

  Command or Action Purpose

Step 1

enable

Example:

Device> enable

Enables privileged EXEC mode.

Enter your password, if prompted.

Step 2

factory-reset { all | config | boot-vars}

Example:

Device# factory-reset all

Use the command with all options enabled.

No system configuration is required to use the factory reset command.

Erases all the content from the NVRAM, all the Cisco IOS images, including the current boot image, boot variables, startup and running configuration data, and user data.

After the Factory Reset process is successfully completed, the device reboots and stops at ROMMON mode.

Feature History and Information for Factory Reset

Release Feature Information

Cisco IOS XE 16.6.1

This feature was introduced.