Network setup - How to - Routers - Cisco - Linux

Delete the boot configuration of Cisco router

For some people this process would sound ridiculous, but there are some circumstances where you have to complete this process and return the router to its original factory settings. For those who are in this situation, I prepare this segment.

To make this process, you must delete the startup file and then restart the router.

Router1#erase nvram:
Erasing the nvram filesystem will remove all files! Continue? [confirm] [OK]
Erase of nvram: complete
Router1#reload

System configuration has been modified. Save? [yes/no]: no
Proceed with reload? [confirm]

You can get the same result by running the following command: erase startup-config

Router1#erase startup-config 
Erasing the nvram filesystem will remove all files! Continue? [confirm] [OK]
Erase of nvram: complete
Router1#reload
Proceed with reload? [confirm]

By using a router for a new feature, you should delete the old configuration and so it is certain that the router will have a cleaner setup. It needs to be absolutely sure that what you are doing, before entering the reload.

Once the router is rebooted, enter the configuration dialog mode, many experienced users avoid this configuration method.

If you accidentally delete the startup-config file, you can restore it while the router is restarted.

Router1#show startup-config
startup-config is not present
Router1#copy running-config startup-config
Building configuration...
[OK]
Router1#show startup-config 
version 12.2
service timestamps debug datetime msec
service timestamps log datetime localtime
service password-encryption
!
hostname Router1

If the startup-config file is deleted and the router is still error reset, no problem, for surely you already have a copy made ​​on a tftp server.