Reset Button on Dell PowerConnect 5324

Question

The instructions for this switch say about the reset button on the front of the switch:

"The reset button, located on the front panel, manually resets the device."

Well thanks Dell :-) Is a reset the same as the 'reload' command on Cisco, or does this reset in the sense the startup config will be restored to factory defaults? If it is just a reload in the Cisco sense, does anyone know how I restore this switch to factory defaults without the username and password?

Solution 1

I found it in the manual. I need to go into the 'startup menu', I do this by hitting enter during the bootup of the switch when it says 'Hit enter or Escape'. I can then reset that password, or erase the config file on the flash.

Solution 2

From fixya.com

Connect to the console port via hyperterminal or similar.

Then, at the command prompt... (hit enter twice!)

enable
delete startup-config
reload

...then say yes to the confirmation request - switch will reboot with no config information....no username/password/IPaddress etc etc.

According to this thread on the dell forums, you will need: an RS-232 crossover cable

Comments

[Kyle Brandt]

Doesn't actually help unless I have the password I think...

[Kyle Brandt]

Oh, unless the console never asks for a password to go into enable mode? I guess this would work, I tested my answer below though so I know that works.

[Grizly]

I didn't mention booting it? I just assumed.. you know what they say!

[3dinfluence]

I used this same procedure to make sure everything was set to factory defaults when I got my 5324 off ebay.