This is a step-by-step guide to show you how to reset the password on a Cisco switch without loosing any of the other configurations. In this particular example, it uses a Cisco Catalyst 3560-CG, but the process is similar on most other current Cisco Products.
In order to follow these instructions, you will need access to a compatible Cisco rollover cable.
Which cable you will need depends upon the device you are using and the specs of the computer that you are using. Here are some cables that can help point you in the right direction . . .
This particular cable (pictured to the top left) can be used on most Cisco devices, but you will need a computer with a serial port (COM1) in order to use it. The female DB9 connection will plug into your computer's serial port. While the male RJ45 connection will plug into the console port on the Cisco device.
On some of the newer Cisco devices, they've begun to offer connections that will support a Type B mini USB connection. These cables make use of connections that are found on most computers today (to the right is one of these cables). This will allow a computer or laptop to connect to the Cisco device by using its USB connection. The Type B mini USB connection plugs into the Cisco device, and the Type A USB connection will plug into the USB port commonly found on most computers.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of Cisco products still require an RJ45 connection for the console. Most of today's current laptops don't come with serial ports (COM1). To resolve this problem, many people have invested into an adapter that will turn a USB connection into a serial one. This product (listed to the bottom left) is an example of one of these products. The one key element that you need for one of these adapters is support for the Cisco Break command.
