Forgot Router Password: Quick Recovery Steps | Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam

Recovering a Forgotten Router Password

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What to do when the router password was forgotten?

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A. B. C. D.

D

If the router password was forgotten, the following steps can be taken to regain access to the router:

A. Use default password cisco to reset: This option may work if the router has not been configured with a custom password. The default username and password for Cisco routers is usually "cisco" for both, and if this has not been changed, then logging in with these credentials will give access to the router configuration. However, this method is not recommended, as leaving the default password on a router can compromise network security.

B. Access router physically: If physical access to the router is possible, then the password can be reset by rebooting the router and interrupting the boot sequence to enter ROMMON mode. From there, the configuration register can be changed to ignore the saved configuration and load a new configuration file that contains a new password. This process involves several steps, including accessing the console port and entering specific commands, and can vary depending on the router model.

C. Use SSL/ VPN: This option involves connecting to the router via a secure SSL or VPN connection, which allows access to the configuration without the need for a password. However, this method may require some configuration on the router beforehand to enable SSL or VPN access.

D. Type confreg 0x2142 at the rommon 1: This option is similar to option B, but instead of loading a new configuration file, the configuration register is changed to bypass the saved configuration and enter setup mode. From there, a new password can be created. Again, this process involves accessing the console port and entering specific commands, and can vary depending on the router model.

It is important to note that if none of these methods work, then the only option may be to reset the router to its factory default settings, which will erase all configuration information and return the router to its original state. This should only be done as a last resort, as it can cause significant downtime and may require additional configuration to restore network connectivity.