2 Ways To Clear Cisco Routers Running Config

Aug 17 , 2022 2687

For network devices, clearing running configuration information is the best way to prevent hackers from easily connecting to the corporate network. There are two different ways to clean the Cisco routers' running-config. Below we show you how to do it step by step.

The First way, you should know the router's password.

1. Log in to the router and enter the enable command to start the superuser mode. In this mode, enter the enable password command.

2. Enter the configure terminal command to start the global configuration mode.

3. Enter the config-register 0x2142 command

4. Enter the end command and enter the write erase command to delete the current startup configuration of the router.

5. Enter the reload command to restart the router. When the system asks if you want to save the configuration, select no.

When the router finishes rebooting, all parameters will be restored to the factory default settings.

The Second way, set the router configuration register parameters to 0x2142

Most of the network administrators use this method to recover passwords. But at the same time, the password is restored, all running config will be cleared. The whole process is as follows:

1. Log in to the router and enter the enable command to start the superuser mode. In this mode, enter the enable password command.

2. Enter the configure terminal command to start the global configuration mode.

3. Enter the config-register 0x2142 command (this will cause the router to ignore the startup configuration at the next reboot)

4. Enter the end command and enter the reload command in the router # prompt mode to restart the router.

5. At this time, the system will ask whether to save the configuration information, enter no, and confirm it at the next restart.

6. After the router completes the reboot, the system will ask if you want to load the initial configuration dialog. Enter n

7. Enter the enable command to set the configuration register parameter to 0x2142, and use the configure terminal command to return to the global configuration mode, enter the config-register 0x2142 command.

8. Enter the end command and enter the write memory command to overwrite the existing boot configuration with the currently running blank configuration.

9. Enter the reload command to restart the router and complete the entire cleanup process.

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