Configuring Username and Password Security

Password Recovery

Figure 2-14. Example of the Steps for Disabling Password-Recovery

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Password Recovery Process

If you have lost the switch’s manager username/password, but password- recovery is enabled, then you can use the Password Recovery Process to gain

management access to the switch with an alternate password supplied by ProCurve.

If you have disabled password-recovery, which locks out the ability to recover a manager username/password pair on the switch, then the only way to recover from a lost manager username/password pair is to use the Reset+Clear button combination described under “Restoring the Factory Default Configuration” on page 2-25.This can disrupt network operation and make it necessary to temporarily disconnect the switch from the network to prevent unauthorized access and other problems while it is being reconfigured.

To use the password-recoveryoption to recover a lost password:

1.Note the switch’s base MAC address. It is shown on the label located on the upper right front corner of the switch.

2.Contact your ProCurve Customer Care Center for further assistance. Using the switch’s MAC address, the ProCurve Customer Care Center will generate and provide a “one-time use” alternate password you can use with the to gain management access to the switch. Once you gain access, you can configure a new, known password.

The alternate password provided by the ProCurve Customer Care Center is valid only for a single login attempt. You cannot use the same “one-time-use” password if you lose the password a second time. Because the password algorithm is randomized based upon your switch's MAC address, the password will change as soon as you use the “one-time-use” password provided to you by the ProCurve Customer Care Center.

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