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How to Recover from Forgotten Password on Dell Networking N Series Switch

Summary: Steps to resolve the password issue on your N Series Dell switch

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

This article discusses the process to gain access to the switch when the Username Password is lost or forgotten on Dell Networking N Series Switch.
 


Overview

This is a process to regain access to a switch when all other means of recovering a username/password have been exhausted.  You will need physical access to the switch console port in order to complete the process.  You will need a PC with a serial port or a USB to serial adaptor and the serial to RJ45 cable that comes with the switch.

HOW12045_en_US__1icon Because this password recovery option is available it is highly recommended that you have your network closet locked for administrator access only.

 

Steps to enter Switch without Password   

 

Follow these steps to use the Boot Menu to enter the switch without a known password:

  1. Connect a PC to the switch console port physically using a software emulation tool serial connection (Putty HOW12045_en_US__2iC_External_Link_BD_v1 is a widely used freeware version)
  2. Manually reboot your switch with a software reload or by pulling the power.
Be aware that if previous configuration changes were made and not saved to the start-config file, then this reboot would not have that unsaved configuration.
  1. While the switch is booting up keep an eye on the boot up screen. 
  2. When you see the Dell Networking Boot Options, type "2" and press "Enter" to select within 3 seconds.  If you miss this step the switch will need to be powered on again.
 
HOW12045_en_US__3NSeries Boot Menu Activate Backup Image(1)
  1. Once in the Boot Menu type "12" at the Enter Choice# prompt.
HOW12045_en_US__412 Boot Menu Password Recovery selected(1)
  1. The switch will start the operating system without the normal prompt for username / password.
  2. Once the switch has completed booting you will need to create a new username / password and save the configuration.
 

How to create a new username / password 

Command Parameter
console# configure Enter configuration mode
console(config)# username admin password Dell1234 privilege 15 Command to create a user named "admin" and password "Dell1234".  This is just and example. You should use your own username and password for proper switch access security .
console(config)# end Leave configuration mode.
console# copy running-config startup-config Save the configuration for any possible restart of the switch.
  
HOW12045_en_US__5icon Be sure to document the Username and Password in a secure location to keep from repeating this process again.
 

Affected Products

PowerSwitch N1500 Series, PowerSwitch N2000 Series, PowerSwitch N3000 Series, PowerSwitch N4000 Series
Article Properties
Article Number: 000108365
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2024
Version:  4
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