Break or recover the router password

• Turn the power switch off and back on to recycle the power.

• Press the Break key or key sequence to put the router into ROM Monitor mode. The break key varies by computer or terminal software. The sequence might be CTRL-D, CTRL-Break or another combination.

• At the > prompt, type 0 to record the current value of the configuration register normally 0x2102, or 0x102.

  >o

  Configuration register = 0x2102 at last boot

  Bit# Configuration register option settings:

  15 Diagnostic mode disabled.

• Type o/r 0x2142 to tell the router to boot from flash without loading the configuration in NVRAM at the next reload.

• Type i to have the router reboot. The router ignores the configuration in NVRAM.

• The router runs the setup dialog, Type no or press Ctrl-C to skip the initial setup Dialog.

• Type enable ate the Router> prompt to go to privileged exec mode.

• Copy the startup configuration to the running configuration by using the configure memory or copy startup-config running-config commands. Do not type configure terminal. If you use the configure terminal command, you overwrite the configuration stored in NVRAM.

• View the configuration by typing write terminal or show running-config. View the configured line, vty and enable passwords. Any encrypted passwords need to be changed.

• Enter the configuration mode by typing configure terminal. Change the line of enable passwords as necessary.

• All interfaces are in a shutdown state. Issue the no shutdown command on every interface that is to be used.

• Type config-register 0x2102 to return the router to normal operation at the next reloads.

• Exit configuration mode by pressing Ctrl-Z

• Save your changes by typing write memory or copy running-config startup-config.

• Reload the router and verify the passwords.