How to Reset a Password on Dell Networking X-Series Switches

This article discusses the process to gain access to the switch when the Username Password is lost or forgotten on Dell Networking X Series Switch. Models include: X1008, X1018, X1026, X1052, X4012

Table of Contents

1.    Overview
2.    Method 1: Reset switch to Factory Defaults 
3.    Restore Configuration from Backup
4.    Method 2: Recovery without Factory Defaults

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 to complete the process.

Method 1: Reset switch to Factory Defaults 

To remove the password ,the switch can be reset to factory defaults and the configuration can be restored from backup.

Resetting the switch to factory defaults will remove all configuration on the switch

To reset switch to factory defaults switch - Press reset button for at least 7 seconds.

For the X1008 switch, the reset button is located on the front. For the X1018, X1026, X4012, and X1052 switch, the reset button is located on the back of the switch. The Reset button is a tiny pin hole with the word RESET printed next to it. A paperclip can be used to press the button.

Restore Configuration from Backup

 

If you have a configuration backup from before the password was changed or lost, you can restore the configuration to the switch. To save, backup, and restore configuration to X1000 and X4000 series switches see HOW10781.

Method 2: Recovery without Factory Defaults

 

To recover the password without resetting the switch to factory default, follow the below steps.

Steps to enter the CLI of the switch without using login id or password

 

1.  Use the PC for connecting the switch console port through Micro USB cable.

2.  Open the console of the switch using a software emulation tool serial connection (Putty is a widely used freeware version)

3.  Power cycle the switch manually and while the switch is booting up, keep an eye on the boot up, on the console screen.

4.  While booting up, the boot stops for few seconds as shown in the bottom of the picture ("Auto boot in 2 secs") . Press ESC key to enter boot or startup menu.

5.  From the provided options,  enter "4" for the password recovery. After entering number 4, you should see the prompt, "current password will be ignored!"
 

6.  Press "Enter" to continue the boot process. The switch boots up and will not ask for the password this time.

Steps to configure the new username and password through the CLI

Command Syntax