Problems resetting Cisco 2960-X network switch

May 29 , 2025 45

Here’s the English translation of the solution for resetting a Cisco 2960-X switch, refined for clarity and grammatical accuracy:

Step-by-Step Solution for Cisco 2960-X Reset Issues

I. Basic Troubleshooting & Configuration Fixes

1. Verify Console Hardware Connections

• Test different USB ports or physical serial ports (if available).

• Enable logging in PuTTY (Connection → Logging) to analyze connection drops.

• Use a standard Cisco Console Cable (RJ45-to-DB9 or USB-to-RJ45).

• For USB Console cables, install the FTDI driver (download from FTDI’s official site on Windows).

• Cable Check:

• Port Testing:

2. Optimize PuTTY Settings

• In Connection → Terminal:

• Disable all tunneling features under Connection → SSH → Tunnels.

• Enable Implicit CR in every LF and Implicit LF in every CR.

• Baud Rate: 9600 (default)

• Data Bits: 8

• Stop Bits: 1

• Parity: None

• Flow Control: None

• Key Parameters:

• Advanced Settings:

3. Interrupt Initialization Properly

• Use PuTTY’s plink.exe with a script to send Break signals:

  plink.exe -serial COM3 -sercfg 9600,8,n,1,N -batch -l admin -pw cisco -m commands.txt

  (Add send break to commands.txt.)

• Hold the Mode button (front-panel circular metal button) within the first 5 seconds of powering on.

• Immediately press Ctrl+Break (or Fn+Ctrl+Break on some systems) after releasing the Mode key.

• Timing:

• Automation:

II. Advanced Recovery Mode Operations

1. Enter ROMMON Mode

• Force restart the switch and execute:

  Switch: reload /noconfirm

  Press and hold the Mode button during boot to enter ROMMON:

  rommon 1 > confreg 0x2142  
  rommon 2 > reset

• This bypasses the startup configuration.

2. Clear Configuration Files

• In ROMMON:

  rommon 1 > setenv BOOT env_vars=flash_init  
  rommon 2 > boot

• Confirm deletion of vlan.dat and default reversion.

3. Recover via TFTP

• If the IOS is corrupted, upload a new image via TFTP:

  rommon 1 > tftpdnld

• Configure IP, gateway, and TFTP server details.

III. Alternative Tools & Debugging Tips

1. Recommended Terminals

• Use Send String to automate Break signals.

• Supports auto-reconnect and logging. Disable flow control under Setup → Serial port.

• Tera Term:

• SecureCRT:

• Minicom (Linux/Mac):

  minicom -D /dev/ttyUSB0 -b 9600

2. Hardware Reset Fallback

• Disconnect power for 10 seconds and reconnect.

• Hold the Reset button for ~10 seconds.

• Physical Reset Button:

• Power Cycle:

IV. Preventive Maintenance

1. Backup Configurations:

   Switch# copy running-config startup-config

2. Upgrade IOS:

• Download the latest IOS from Cisco Software Center.

3. Enable Auto-Recovery:

   Switch(config)# errdisable recovery cause all  
   Switch(config)# errdisable recovery interval 300

V. Troubleshooting Table

This guide provides a structured approach to resolving console connectivity and reset issues on Cisco 2960-X switches. For persistent problems, contact Cisco TAC with logs (requires support registration).