Recovering From A Lost Or Forgotten Password - Cisco Catalyst 2960 series Configuration Manual

software#
flash_init
load_helper
boot
Step 7 Initialize the flash file system.
Example:
switch: flash_init
Step 8 If you had set the console port speed to any speed other than 9600, it has been reset to that particular speed. Change the
emulation software line speed to match that of the switch console port.
Step 9
Load any helper files.
Example:
switch: load_helper
Step 10
Start the file transfer by using the Xmodem Protocol.
Example:
switch: copy xmodem: flash:image_filename.bin
Step 11
After the Xmodem request appears, use the appropriate command on the terminal-emulation software to start the transfer
and to copy the software image into flash memory.
Step 12 Boot the newly downloaded Cisco IOS image.
Example:
switch: boot flash:image_filename.bin
Step 13 Use the archive download-sw privileged EXEC command to download the software image to the switch or to the switch
stack.
Step 14 Use the reload privileged EXEC command to restart the switch and to verify that the new software image is operating
properly.
Step 15
Delete the flash:image_filename.bin file from the switch.

Recovering from a Lost or Forgotten Password

The default configuration for the switch allows an end user with physical access to the switch to recover from
a lost password by interrupting the boot process during power-on and by entering a new password. These
recovery procedures require that you have physical access to the switch.
Consolidated Platform Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS Release 15.2(4)E (Catalyst 2960-X Switches)
How to Troubleshoot the Software Configuration
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