Need to reset a Cisco router password without losing configuration? Learn the step-by-step Cisco password recovery process using ROMMON mode—critical knowledge for the Cisco Certified Field Technician (CCT) exam.
Table of Contents
Question
A network technician needs to reset the password on a Cisco router but does not have access to the current configuration. What process should they follow?
A. Perform a factory reset
B. Use the recovery mode and reset the password
C. Use an SSH session to override authentication
D. Reload the device with a default config file
E. Use the ‘enable password reset’ command
Answer
B. Use the recovery mode and reset the password
Explanation
In password recovery mode, the startup configuration is bypassed, allowing the technician to reset the password without losing the current config.
The correct process is to use the recovery mode (ROMMON) to reset the password. This method allows you to bypass the startup configuration (which contains the password) during boot, reset the password, and retain the existing configuration.
Detailed Steps
Step 1: Connect to the router via console cable.
Step 2: Power cycle the router. As the router boots, send a break signal (often Ctrl+Break in terminal software) to enter ROMMON mode.
Step 3: Set the configuration register to ignore the startup configuration:
At the ROMMON prompt, enter:
confreg 0x2142
This tells the router to bypass the startup configuration (where passwords are stored) on the next reboot.
Step 4: Reset the router:
reset
The router will reboot and prompt for initial configuration. Choose “no” to enter normal mode without applying the startup config.
Step 5: Enter privileged EXEC mode:
enable
Step 6: Copy the startup configuration to the running configuration:
copy startup-config running-config
This loads your existing configuration into memory so you can modify it.
Step 7: Reset the password:
Enter global configuration mode and set a new password (for example, enable secret):
configure terminal enable secret NEW_PASSWORD
Update any other necessary passwords (console, vty, etc.).
Step 8: Restore the configuration register to default (usually 0x2102):
config-register 0x2102
This ensures the router loads the startup configuration on future reboots.
Step 9: Save the configuration:
copy running-config startup-config
Step 10: Reload the router:
reload
The router will now boot normally with the new password and the original configuration intact.
Password recovery mode (ROMMON) allows a technician to bypass the password-protected configuration, reset the password, and retain the current router configuration.
Cisco Certified Field Technician (CCT) certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Cisco Certified Field Technician (CCT) exam and earn Cisco Certified Field Technician (CCT) certification.