In order to complete the process we’ll need to download the appropriate password reset file found here. In our case, since our PIX appliance is using software version 6.3(4), we’ll download the np63.bin file. Once downloaded we’ll start up a TFTP server on our workstation. There are many different tools that’ll allow you to run a TFTP server. We were using a free version of TFTPD64 software found here.
Reboot the unit. Press Break or Escape during boot to get into monitor mode. Once the unit starts up you’ll see the monitor> prompt.
Specify interface you’ll use to connect to your workstation (TFTP server)
interface 0
Assign an IP address to the interface
address X.X.X.X
Specify the IP address of the TFTP server (you’re workstation)
server Y.Y.Y.Y
Specify the file name you’ll use for password reset
file np63.bin
You can test connectivity to the TFTP server by issuing the following command
ping Y.Y.Y.Y
Sending 5, 100-byte 0xf8d3 ICMP Echoes to Y.Y.Y.Y, timeout is 4 seconds:
!!!!!
Success rate is 100 percent (5/5)
Now you can start transferring the file from your TFTP server
tftp
Next you’ll be prompted to erase the current passwords on the appliance. Answer yes and the appliance will reboot itself
Do you wish to erase the passwords? [yn] y
Passwords have been erased.
Rebooting….
Now when you try to access the device you’ll be able to access it without providing a password.
To reset the appliance to factory defaults you’ll need to do the following:
Reload the unit.