Resetting Cisco 3800 Series Routers

Introduction

Cisco's 3800 series include 4 different type of routers: Cisco 3825, Cisco 3825-NOVPN, the Cisco 3845, and the Cisco 3845-NOVPN. Depending on the series of the router, there will be different methods of resetting. All Cisco routers will use the ROMMON mode to reset if a password was configured. ROMMON mode is to be used for troubleshooting purposes, or if a password from a previous configuration has been forgotten. The following is the method to reset a Cisco 3800 Series router.

Clearing Configurations on a Cisco 3800

If a router has a previous configuration, a network administrator may have to clear the configurations in order to configure the necessary components needed on a network. As such, ensure that the router is accessible; SSH or Telnet can be used to remote access, but otherwise access through console. Before proceeding to clear the configurations, connect the console rollover cable. The pin-end should be connected to the corresponding port on the host device, and the RJ45 end should be connected to the console port found behind the router. A terminal to get access the router is needed. Some popular terminals include TeraTerm, PuTTY, and SecureCRT (make sure to have any of these installed on the host device) .

Key Items Needed

• Rollover Console Cable
• Terminal Emulator (I.e. TeraTerm, SecureCRT, PuTTY)

Clearing Configurations

Be sure to always clear all configurations of the 3800 if it is not being used.

Step One: Hardware

Plug in the power cable of the router to an open outlet. Connect to the router using a console cable (usually light blue).

• • NOTE: The RJ45 end of the console cable connects to the corresponding console port on the router, and the pin end connects to the corresponding port on the host device.

Turn on the host computer and the Cisco 3800 router by flipping the switch. Make sure that all lights on the router are on and identified as a light green.

Step Two: Terminal Programs

From the host computer, open any of the terminal emulators installed. A window will open with a menu of settings prior to accessing the router. By default, the menu should already be set, assuming console connection.

• • NOTE: If the router is being consoled, then ensure that the terminal is set to Serial Com 1.

Once the menu is set, click OK. The router will boot and open its configuration files.

Step Three: Booting

Upon booting, the router may input the following message:

• Would you like to enter the initial dialog? [yes/no]

Respond to the message by typing no, and then hit enter. Depending on the age of the router and the amount of configurations, the router may take awhile to process the no message. After it loads, the following message will show:

• Press RETURN to get started

From here, you would press enter.