Recover the 2900 Integrated Services Router Password

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Updated:November 21, 2023
Document ID:112033

Bias-Free Language

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    Introduction

    This document describes how to recover the  enable password  and the  enable secret  passwords for the 2900 Cisco Router.

    Prerequisites

    Requirements

    There are no specific requirements for this document.

    Components Used

    The information in this document is based on these hardware versions:

    • Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Router (ISR)

    The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, ensure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

    Related Products

    Refer to Password Recovery Procedures for information on how to recover passwords for related products.

    Conventions

    Refer to Cisco Technical Tips Conventions for more information on document conventions.

    Background Information

    This document describes how to recover the enable password and the enable secret passwords. These passwords protect access to privileged EXEC and configuration modes. The enable password password can be recovered, but the enable secret password is encrypted and must be replaced with a new password. Use the procedure described in this document in order to replace the enable secret password.

    Step-by-Step Procedure

    To recover your password:

    1. Either switch off or shut down the router.

    2. Remove the compact flash that is on the rear of the router. This image shows the rear of the 2951 router:

      Back of the 2951 RouterBack of the 2951 Router

      For more information, refer to Overview of the Routers.

    3. Switch on the router.

    4. Once the router is on Rommon mode, reinsert the compact flash.

    5. Type confreg 0x2142 at the rommon 1> prompt in order to boot from Flash.

      This step bypasses the startup configuration where the passwords are stored.

    6. Type reset at the rommon 2> prompt.

      The router reboots, but ignores the saved configuration.

    7. Type no after each setup question, or press Ctrl-C in order to skip the initial setup procedure.

    8. Type enable at the Router >  prompt.

      You are in enable mode and you see the Router# prompt.

    9. Type configure memory or copy startup-config running-config in order to copy the nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) into memory.

      Warning: Do not enter copy running-config startup-config or write. These commands erase your startup configuration.

    10. Issue the show running-config  command.

      The show running-config command shows the configuration of the router. In this configuration, the shutdown command appears under all interfaces, which indicates all interfaces are currently shut down. In addition, the passwords (enable password, enable secret, vty, and console passwords) are in either an encrypted or unencrypted format. You can reuse unencrypted passwords. You must change encrypted passwords to a new password.

    11. Type configure terminal .

      The hostname(config)# prompt appears.

    12. Type enable secret <password> in order to change the enable secret password. For example:

      hostname(config)#enable secret cisco

    13. Issue the no shutdown command on every interface that you use.

      If you issue a show ip interface brief  command, every interface that you want to use display up up .

    14. Type config-register <configuration_register_setting> . Where <configuration_register_setting> is either the value you recorded in step 2 or0x2102 . For example:

      hostname(config)#config-register 0x2102

    15. Press Ctrl-z or end in order to leave the configuration mode.

      The hostname# prompt appears.

    16. Type write memory or copy running-config startup-config in order to commit the changes.

    Example of Password Recovery Procedure

    This section provides an example of the password recovery procedure. This example was created with a Cisco 2900 Series ISR. Even if you do not use a Cisco 2900 Series ISR, this output provides an example of what you must experience on your product.

    Router>
enable

Password:
Password:
Password:
% Bad secrets

Router> 
    show version
    

Cisco IOS Software, C2900 Software (C2900-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.0(1)M1, 
     RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2009 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 02-Dec-09 15:23 by prod_rel_team

ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)

c2921-CCP-1-xfr uptime is 2 weeks, 22 hours, 15 minutes
System returned to ROM by reload at 06:06:52 PCTime Mon Apr 2 1900
System restarted at 06:08:03 PCTime Mon Apr 2 1900
System image file is "flash:c2900-universalk9-mz.SPA.150-1.M1.bin"
Last reload reason: Reload Command


This product contains cryptographic features and is subject to United
States and local country laws governing import, export, transfer and
use. Delivery of Cisco cryptographic products does not imply
third-party authority to import, export, distribute or use encryption.
Importers, exporters, distributors and users are responsible for
compliance with U.S. and local country laws. By using this product you
agree to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If you are unable
to comply with U.S. and local laws, return this product immediately.

A summary of U.S. laws governing Cisco cryptographic products may be found at:
http://www.cisco.com/wwl/export/crypto/tool/stqrg.html

If you require further assistance please contact us by sending email to
export@cisco.com.

Cisco CISCO2921/K9 (revision 1.0) with 475136K/49152K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FHH1230P04Y
1 DSL controller
3 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
9 terminal lines
1 Virtual Private Network (VPN) Module
1 Cable Modem interface
1 cisco Integrated Service Engine-2(s)
   Cisco Foundation 2.2.1 in slot 1
DRAM configuration is 64 bits wide with parity enabled.
255K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
248472K bytes of ATA System CompactFlash 0 (Read/Write)
62720K bytes of ATA CompactFlash 1 (Read/Write)

Technology Package License Information for Module:'c2900'

----------------------------------------------------------------
Technology    Technology-package          Technology-package
              Current       Type          Next reboot
-----------------------------------------------------------------
ipbase        ipbasek9      Permanent     ipbasek9
security      securityk9    Permanent     securityk9
uc            uck9          Permanent     uck9
data          datak9        Permanent     datak9

Configuration register is 0x2102


Router>



!--- Execute Steps 1 through 4 from Step-by-Step Procedure.


!

rommon 1 > confreg 0x2142

You must reset or power cycle for new config to take effect

rommon 2 > reset

System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Copyright (c) 2009 by cisco Systems, Inc.
TAC:Home:SW:IOS:Specials for info
C2900 platform with 524288 Kbytes of main memory


program load complete, entry point: 0x80008000, size: 0x6fdb4c

Self decompressing the image : ###############################
##############################################################
##############################################################
##############################################################
############################### [OK]


 Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted
Rights clause at FAR sec. 52.227-19 and subparagraph
(c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer
Software clause at DFARS sec. 252.227-7013.

 Cisco Systems, Inc.
 170 West Tasman Drive
 San Jose, California 95134-1706

Cisco IOS Software, C2900 Software (C2900-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.0(1)M1,
     RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2009 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 02-Dec-09 15:23 by prod_rel_team

Cisco CISCO2921/K9 (revision 1.0) with 475136K/49152K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FHH1230P04Y
1 DSL controller
3 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
9 terminal lines
1 Virtual Private Network (VPN) Module
1 Cable Modem interface
1 cisco Integrated Service Engine-2(s)
   Cisco Foundation 2.2.1 in slot 1
DRAM configuration is 64 bits wide with parity enabled.
255K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
248472K bytes of ATA System CompactFlash 0 (Read/Write)
62720K bytes of ATA CompactFlash 1 (Read/Write)


 --- System Configuration Dialog ---

Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]:  n 

Press RETURN to get started!

00:00:19: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface BRI0/0, changed state to up
00:00:19: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Ethernet0/0, changed state to up
00:00:19: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Ethernet0/1, changed state to up
00:00:19: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0/0, changed state to down
00:00:19: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0/1, changed state to down
00:00:20: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface BRI0/0, 
changed state to down
00:00:20: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Ethernet0/0,
 changed state to up
Router>
00:00:20: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Ethernet0/1, 
changed state to up
00:00:20: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0/0, 
changed state to down
00:00:20: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0/1, 
changed state to down
00:00:50: %SYS-5-RESTART: System restarted --
Cisco IOS Software, C2900 Software (C2900-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.0(1)M1,
     RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2009 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 02-Dec-09 15:23 by prod_rel_team
00:00:50: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface BRI0/0, 
changed state to administratively down
00:00:52: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Ethernet0/0, 
changed state to administratively down
00:00:52: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Serial0/0, 
changed state to administratively down
00:00:52: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Ethernet0/1, 
changed state to administratively down
00:00:52: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Serial0/1, 
changed state to administratively down
00:00:53: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Ethernet0/0, 
changed state to down
00:00:53: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Ethernet0/1, 
changed state to down
Router>
Router>enable
Router#copy startup-config running-config
Destination filename [running-config]?
1324 bytes copied in 2.35 secs (662 bytes/sec)
Router#
00:01:24: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface BRI0/0:1, 
changed state to down
00:01:24: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface BRI0/0:2, 
changed state to down
Router#configure terminal
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Router(config)#enable secret < password >
Router(config)#^Z
00:01:54: %SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from console by console
Router#show ip interface brief

Interface   IP-Address        OK?  Method     Status                   Protocol
Ethernet0/0 10.200.40.37      YES  TFTP       administratively down    down
Serial0/0   unassigned        YES  TFTP       administratively down    down
BRI0/0      192.168.121.157   YES  unset      administratively down    down
BRI0/0:1    unassigned        YES  unset      administratively down    down
BRI0/0:2    unassigned        YES  unset      administratively down    down
Ethernet0/1 unassigned        YES  TFTP       administratively down    down
Serial0/1   unassigned        YES  TFTP       administratively down    down
Loopback0   192.168.121.157   YES  TFTP       up                       up
Router#configure terminal
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Router(config)#interface Ethernet0/0
Router(config-if)#no shutdown
Router(config-if)#
00:02:14: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Ethernet0/0, changed state to up
00:02:15: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Ethernet0/0, 
changed state to up
Router(config-if)#interface BRI0/0
Router(config-if)#no shutdown
Router(config-if)#
00:02:26: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface BRI0/0:1, changed state to down
00:02:26: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface BRI0/0:2, changed state to down
00:02:26: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface BRI0/0, changed state to up
00:02:115964116991: %ISDN-6-LAYER2UP: Layer 2 for Interface BR0/0, 
TEI 68 changed to up
Router(config-if)#^Z
Router#
00:02:35: %SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from console by console
Router#copy running-config startup-config
Destination filename [startup-config]?
Building configuration...
[OK]
Router#show version
Cisco IOS Software, C2900 Software (C2900-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.0(1)M1,
     RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2009 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 02-Dec-09 15:23 by prod_rel_team

ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)

c2921-CCP-1-xfr uptime is 2 weeks, 22 hours, 15 minutes
System returned to ROM by reload at 06:06:52 PCTime Mon Apr 2 1900
System restarted at 06:08:03 PCTime Mon Apr 2 1900
System image file is "flash:c2900-universalk9-mz.SPA.150-1.M1.bin"
Last reload reason: Reload Command

Cisco CISCO2921/K9 (revision 1.0) with 475136K/49152K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FHH1230P04Y
1 DSL controller
3 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
9 terminal lines
1 Virtual Private Network (VPN) Module
1 Cable Modem interface
1 cisco Integrated Service Engine-2(s)
   Cisco Foundation 2.2.1 in slot 1
DRAM configuration is 64 bits wide with parity enabled.
255K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
248472K bytes of ATA System CompactFlash 0 (Read/Write)
62720K bytes of ATA CompactFlash 1 (Read/Write)

Configuration register is 0x2102

Router#configure terminal
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Router(config)#config-register 0x2102
Router(config)#^Z
00:03:20: %SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from console by console

Router#show version
Cisco IOS Software, C2900 Software (C2900-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.0(1)M1,
     RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2009 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 02-Dec-09 15:23 by prod_rel_team

ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)

c2921-CCP-1-xfr uptime is 2 weeks, 22 hours, 15 minutes
System returned to ROM by reload at 06:06:52 PCTime Mon Apr 2 1900
System restarted at 06:08:03 PCTime Mon Apr 2 1900
System image file is "flash:c2900-universalk9-mz.SPA.150-1.M1.bin"
Last reload reason: Reload Command

Cisco CISCO2921/K9 (revision 1.0) with 475136K/49152K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FHH1230P04Y
1 DSL controller
3 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
9 terminal lines
1 Virtual Private Network (VPN) Module
1 Cable Modem interface
1 cisco Integrated Service Engine-2(s)
   Cisco Foundation 2.2.1 in slot 1
DRAM configuration is 64 bits wide with parity enabled.
255K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
248472K bytes of ATA System CompactFlash 0 (Read/Write)
62720K bytes of ATA CompactFlash 1 (Read/Write)

Configuration register is 0x2142 (is  0x2102  at next reload)

Router#

    Related Information

    Revision History

    Revision Publish Date Comments
    3.0
    21-Nov-2023
    Recertification
    1.0
    02-May-2014
    Initial Release
    TAC Authored

    Contributed by Cisco Engineers

    • Marin Grabovschi
      Cisco Technical Consulting Engineer

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