reset the password on a Dell PowerConnect M6220

Question

Hello, I am trying to reset the password on a Dell PowerConnect M6220. I can login to the CMC via the https webpage but dont see how to do it from there.

So I am trying to plug in a USB serial cable into the console port and reset the password via a console session using teraterm but when i do this all i get is a blank screen.

Serial settings are:

Cable: Null Modem

Bits per second: 115200

Data bits: 8

Parity: None

Stop bits: 1

Flow control: None

Any ideas on how i can access telnet access to the device to reset the pwd successfully

thanks

Kevin

DELL-Young E · Accepted Answer

Hello to put a Dell PowerConnect M6220 switch into recovery mode, you will need to connect a null modem serial cable to the switch and then use the boot menu to erase the flash file and restore the configuration to factory defaults.

Steps to enter recovery mode and restore to factory defaults:
1. Connect a serial cable:
Connect a null modem serial cable from the switch's console port to a computer with a terminal emulator (like PuTTY).

2. Configure the terminal emulator:
Set the baud rate to 9600.

3. Enter the boot menu:
Restart the switch. During the boot-up process, press the Esc key repeatedly to access the boot menu.

4. Navigate to the Recovery options:
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the desired option, such as "Restore to Factory Default" or "Erase Flash".

5. Confirm and reset:
Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the action and initiate the reset process. This will erase the current configuration and revert the switch to its factory default settings.

Example Commands (if using command-line access):
To clear the configuration (delete the running configuration): clear config
To reload the switch (reboot): reload
To erase the flash file (if applicable): erase flash:/config.text
R
that model switch does not support serial baudrate 115200 which support only 9600

cerbera_a84f2d · Accepted Answer

You can connect to the internal console port of the switch via the CMC CLI

Telnet to the CMC, then connect switch-a1 ( or a2 or b1 etc etc )

That will give you the > prompt, then either delet the startupconfig and reload, or put in you own username and password - do remeber that you can set it on the out of band interface or in band, by slecting the appropriate interface

ohareka70 · Answer

Daniel,

I have tried logging in via the console cable and its connected ok but just doesnt do anything when i hit the enter button. So maybe i need to do something on the Dell chassis first to enable the console connection - would that be correct. Or do i need to do something on the boot menu?

I do have access to the Dell Chassis M1000e so i can see the Dell switches ok from there but cant login to them via the webpage.

regards,

Kevin

ohareka70 · Answer

Telnet to the CMC connect switch-a2 enable configure config#username root password calvin level 15 exit Login to a2 via its IP address on the webpage or telnet Thanks again Cerbera Much appreciated

Mtexter · Answer

@ohareka70​ lol 12 years later, this just helped me a ton.  Thanks!

Networking General

reset the password on a Dell PowerConnect M6220

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