Write Erasing Configurations on Cisco Devices

Standard Write Erase Instructions

1. enable
2. Type write erase. This will remove the startup configuration from the device. However what ever configuration was loaded is still present on the device. - For switches(2950 in Netlab and 3560 in Voip) you must delete the vlan.dat file located on the flash or the vlan database will still be populated with entries. - type show flash: - From there delete vlan.dat using the command delete flash:vlan.dat
3. The final step is to reload the switch using reload and saying no when asked if you want to save the configuration.

Password Recovery on Cisco Routers/Access Points (2800,2600,1200,350)

If you come across as situation that require a password recovery on a router it is a simple clean up that takes a few minutes to do.

1. Power off the device.
2. Power the device back on and use the break command to stop the boot process
3. You will get the rommon prompt. If not try again.
4. Type confreg 0x2142. This changes the router to ignore its startup configuration.
5. It is time to boot the router up, so type boot
6. When it has booted you should be able to follow the directions above and remove the configuration with write erase.
7. However when it reload enter rommon again using the break sequence and type confreg 0x2102, then boot.

Cisco 2514

1. Power off the device.
2. Power it back on and use the break command to enter rommon.
3. The rommon prompt is a '<'
4. Type o to see the current configuration register
5. Type o/r 0x2142
6. Type i to reboot the router and load the IOS
7. Type enable and then write erase
8. go to the configure terminal mode and type config-register 0x2102
9. Save the configuration and reload

Cisco Switches(2950,3560)

1. Connect to the device via the console port.
2. Push in and hold the mode button, and power cycle the switch.
3. Hold the button until you see the switch: prompt.
4. Issue the flash_init command.
5. Use the dir flash command to see all the files the ones we are interested in removing should be the config.text, and vlan.dat. This will remove the configuration completely and also the database of vlans.
6. Type boot and watch the switch boot up with no configuration.

More information on the password recovery can be found at http://cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/iosswrel/ps1831/products_tech_note09186a00801746e6.shtml

Extreme Summit 200

Standard Write Erase Instructions

If you need to remove a running configuration from a Summit 200 it is as easy as typing unconfigure switch all. It will reload, and then the configuration will be gone.

Password Recovery

1. Hold Space bar when turning the switch on.
2. You will see a boot option menu.
3. Choose delete primary configuration.
4. Then choose to boot the primary image.
5. The switch will be turned on and no configuration will exist.