Once Done you will need to re-boot your laptop, but after that you can use as the pause/Break Key. (Option) If you want you can copy/Paste the text below into a.txt file. Save the file onto your desktop and rename as NewRegKey.reg because of the.reg extension you can then doubleclick the file to add the new registry key. During bootup, you are prompted to use BREAK or ESC to interrupt Flash boot. You have ten seconds to interrupt the normal boot process. Press the ESC key or send a BREAK character in order to enter.
In a previous post Serial Console on OS X I wrote about how to connect a USB-Serial converter to console into Cisco router and use the ‘screen' command.
To perform a password recovery on a Cisco router you need to issue a 'terminal break' character to interrupt the boot process. The Cisco page on terminal break shows a lot of break sequences.
The break sequence for 'screen' is to use Ctrl-A and then Ctrl-B. The Ctrl-A shifts the focus back to the screen process (away from the serial console) and the Ctrl-B issues the break sequence.
You may need to break more than once. This is done by Ctrl-A, Ctrl-B, Ctrl-B, Ctrl-B.
Contents
Introduction
This document describes how to recover a password on Catalyst 6500/6000 Series Switches and Cisco 7600 Series Routers that run Cisco IOS® System Software.
Prerequisites
Requirements
There are no specific requirements for this document.
Components Used
This document applies to the Supervisor 1, Supervisor 2, Supervisor 720, and Virtual Switching System (VSS) 1440 based systems. For Supervisor 720 based systems, this document applies when it runs Cisco IOS Software Release12.2(17)SX or later. If your Supervisor 720 runs a version prior to this, refer to Password Recovery Procedure for the Catalyst 6500 with Supervisor 720 Running Cisco IOS System Software Software Prior to 12.2(17)SX.
Note: The supported software for Virtual Switching System (VSS) 1440 based systems is Cisco IOS® Software Release 12.2(33)SXH1 or later.
Cisco Break Sequence Traceroute
Background
The boot sequence is different on the Catalyst 6500/6000 and Cisco 7600 that run Cisco IOS System Software than the Cisco 7200 Series Router because the hardware is different. After you power-cycle the box, the switch processor (SP) boots up first. After a short amount of time (approximately 25 to 60 seconds) it transfers console ownership to the route processor (RP (MSFC)). The RP continues to load the bundled software image. It is crucial that you press Ctrl-brk just after the SP gives over control of the console to the RP. If you send the break sequence too soon, you end up in the ROMMON of the SP, which is not where you should be. Send the break sequence after you see this message on the console:
After this point, the password recovery is the same as a normal router.
Note: From this point onward, the Catalyst 6000 Series Switch that runs Cisco IOS System Software is referred to as a router.
Conventions
For more information on document conventions, refer to the Cisco Technical Tips Conventions.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The switch is configured like a router because of the operating system that runs on the switch. The password recovery procedure follows the same steps as a Cisco 7200 Series Router, except that you have to wait approximately 25 to 60 seconds longer before you start the break sequence.
Putty Break Sequence
Attach a terminal or PC with terminal emulation to the console port of the router. Use these terminal settings:
The required console cable specifications are described in the Cable Specifications document. Instructions on how to connect to the console port are in the Module Installation Guide. The Connecting to the Console Port—Supervisor Engine Only section provides useful information.
If you still have access to the router, issue the show version command, and record the setting of the configuration register. It is usually 0x2102 or 0x102. Click here to see the output of a show version command.
If you do not have access to the router (because of a lost login or TACACS password), your configuration register is set to 0x2102.
Turn off the router and then turn it back on with the help of the power switch.
Caution: The break sequence must be initiated only after the RP gains control of the console port.
Press Break on the terminal keyboard right after the RP gains control of the console port. On the Catalyst 6000 that runs Cisco IOS Software, the SP boots first. After it has booted, it turns control over to the RP. After the RP gains control, initiate the break sequence. The RP gains control of the console port when you see this message. (Do not initiate the break sequence until you see this message):
From this point on, the password recovery procedure is the same as for any other router. If the break sequence does not work, refer to the Standard Break Key Sequence Combinations During Password Recovery for other key combinations.
Type confreg 0x2142 at the rommon 1> prompt to boot from Flash without loading the configuration.
Type reset at the rommon 2> prompt.
The router reboots. However, it ignores the saved configuration.
Type no after each setup question or press Ctrl-C to skip the initial setup procedure.
Type enable at the Router> prompt.
You are in enable mode and see the Router# prompt.
Important: Issue the configure memory or copy start running commands to copy the Nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) into memory. Do not issue the configure terminal command.
Issue the write terminal or show running command.
The show running and write terminal commands show the configuration of the router. In this configuration, you see under all the interfaces the shutdown command. This means that all the interfaces are currently shut down.You see the passwords either in encrypted or unencrypted format.
Issue the configure terminal command to enter global configuration mode and make the changes.
The prompt is now hostname(config)#.
Issue the enable secret < password > command in global configuration mode to change the enable password.
Issue the config-register 0x2102 command, or the value you recorded in Step 2 in global configuration mode (Router(config)#) to set the configuration value back to its original value.
Change the virtual terminal passwords, if present:
Issue the no shutdown command on every interface that is normally in use. Issue a show ip interface brief command to see a list of interfaces and their current status. You must be in enable mode (Router#) to execute the show ip interface brief command. Here is an example for one interface:
Press Ctrl-z to leave the configuration mode.
The prompt is now hostname#.
Issue the write memory or copy running startup commands to commit the changes.
Cisco Break Sequence
Sample Output
The example here shows an actual password recovery procedure. This example is created with the help of a Catalyst 6000 Series switch. Begin with the show version and show module commands to see what components are used in this example.
Cisco Break Sequence Not Working
Related Information
