topic RE: Ghost password issue !! in ExtremeSwitching (EXOS/Switch Engine)

Ghost password issue !!

Jean-Francois_G — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 00:26:00 GMT

Afternoon all,

I have a weird issue with a X670V switch that we have. I downgraded it to version 15.2.2.7b7 for the simulation of an upgrade that we're scheduling.

So hopped on the swtich, unconfigure all, reboot... all good so far
Upon reboot, download firmware 15.2.2.7b7 to switch and rebooted once more.

We this is where the issue starts... I'm being prompted for a password that shouldn't be there !!
I've tried our usual password just in case... login incorrect every time.

So then I figured I'd reboot in BootRom mode and choose "config none" then reboot... no dice...
I'm running bootrom 2.0.2.1... that option doesn't exist in this version...

So then I figured and use emergency procedure and reinstall firmware from bootrom... so I did... but the issue remains... the "Ghost Password" is still there and preventing me access to the switch... rendering it as useful as paper weight...

A little help would be appreciated 🙂
Thanks
JF

RE: Ghost password issue !!

StephenW — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:00:00 GMT

Is it a normal login prompt or does it look like this Enter passphrase:

RE: Ghost password issue !!

BrandonC — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:02:00 GMT

The default password is blank, so you should be able to log into the switch by entering 'admin' into the username field, and just hitting the 'enter' key at the password prompt should allow you in to the switch.

RE: Ghost password issue !!

Jean-Francois_G — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:12:00 GMT

Hi Guys,

@ Stephen : It's a normal login... not passphrase...
@ Brandon : I know the default password is blank...  First thing I tried...

It just like the switch came up with a password on its own !! I have another switch just like it... there was no issues whatsoever doing the same downgrade procedure...

JF

RE: Ghost password issue !!

BrandonC — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:12:00 GMT

That's definitely strange. I almost didn't want to mention it, but would have hated to had that be the issue and not mention it. 🙂

RE: Ghost password issue !!

StephenW — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:15:00 GMT

I would try the options in the article below next.

https://gtacknowledge.extremenetworks.com/articles/How_To/How-to-Recover-A-Switch-And-Its-Configurat...

RE: Ghost password issue !!

Jean-Francois_G — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:15:00 GMT

I guess you didn't read my original post... can't do the "config none" part... not allowed with this bootrom version...

RE: Ghost password issue !!

StephenW — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:15:00 GMT

I did. Did you try Method 2?

RE: Ghost password issue !!

Jean-Francois_G — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:15:00 GMT

Method 2 starts with "Once logged into the switch"...

Can't log in it... remember ? That my whole issue !!

RE: Ghost password issue !!

StephenW — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:15:00 GMT

Jean, If you have a contract please call GTAC as you have tried everything at least once. Something is not right. I would try different versions in bootrom, or upgrade your bootrom. Also there is no need for "!"... we are hear to help.

RE: Ghost password issue !!

Jean-Francois_G — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:15:00 GMT

Sorry about the "!"...
According to documentation I'd need bootrom 2.0.2.3... but for that I'll need a support contract for this switch... we don't have it 😕

That's why I thought I'd ask on forum first... to see if I can work around it without having to pay a lot of $$

JF

RE: Ghost password issue !!

Erik_Auerswald — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 17:39:00 GMT

Hi,

did you perhaps downgrade from EXOS 16 to 15.2? If so, you might want to look at the GTAC Knowledge article Cannot log into EXOS switch after downgrading from EXOS 16 to an earlier release.

I suppose you did not configure a failsafe account (which is not affected by the EXOS 16 password hash change).

Thanks,
Erik

RE: Ghost password issue !!

Jean-Francois_G — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 17:39:00 GMT

Now that was super helpful... switch is now accessible 🙂
Thanks Erik

JF