Password Recovery for Aironet Access Points

AIR-CAP3502E-E-K9

CAUTION: This Procedure erases all configuration as well (which is not a problem if the access point (AP) is running in "lightweight mode", as all the config is stored on the WLAN controller in that case)

• Connect to the AP with a serial console cable
• Hold the MODE button
• Connect the power cord
• Keep holding the MODE button and watch the AP boot until the LED turns red
• Wait until you get to the ap: prompt
• Type dir flash: and identify the files private-multiple-fs and env_vars
• rename those two files:
  • rename flash:private-multiple-fs flash:old_private-multiple-fs
  • rename flash:env_vars flash:old_env_vars
  • Type dir flash: to verify the files have been successfully renamed
• Type reset and confirm with y to reset the AP
• The AP will reboot now. Don't hold the MODE button this time.
• When you get to the login prompt, login with username/password Cisco / Cisco (note the capital "C"). The enable password is Cisco as well.