HPE

HPE / Aruba Switch Password Recovery

Recover a lost operator or manager password on HPE / Aruba ProCurve and ArubaOS-CX switches using the console and the password-reset boot option.

Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for resetting lost or forgotten administrative passwords on enterprise networking hardware. Follow the procedure below carefully to regain access while preserving your device configuration.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with password recovery, ensure you have a console cable, terminal emulation software configured to 9600 baud, and physical access to the device.

Step 1: Establish Console Connection

Connect your terminal cable to the console port of the device and open your serial terminal session.

Step 2: Interrupt the Boot Sequence

Power cycle the hardware and issue a Break key sequence during initial system startup to enter ROMMON mode.

Step 3: Reset Password & Configuration

Bypass startup configuration loading, boot into system software, set your new credentials, and save changes back to non-volatile memory.

Overview

HPE and Aruba switches allow a lost manager password to be cleared from the console by interrupting the boot and choosing the password-reset option. Two families exist and the steps differ slightly.

Prerequisites

ProCurve / ArubaOS-Switch (2930F and similar)

  1. Connect the console and reboot the switch.
  2. At the boot prompt press Ctrl-C or press a key when prompted to reach the console menu.
  3. Select the option to erase the manager password / enter the diagnostic menu.
  4. The switch continues to boot without a manager password — press Enter at the password prompt to clear it.
  5. Set a new password:
    switch(config)# password manager
  6. Save: write memory.

ArubaOS-CX (6200F / 6300F and similar)

  1. Connect the console and reboot the switch.
  2. At the boot menu select Password reset.
  3. The switch reboots with the admin password cleared.
  4. Log in as admin with no password, then set a new one:
    switch(config)# user admin password