You might need to recover the switch software if the image is corrupted during an upgrade, if you installed the wrong image on the switch, or if you deleted the image. In all of these cases, the switch does not pass the power-on self-test (POST), and there is no connectivity. A symptom of corrupted software is if the switch continuously tries to reboot.
Erase system configuration | Use this option to delete all the configuration settings on the switch, including the IP address, the usernames, and the passwords, but retain the current software image. If you select this option, you must set up the switch again, as described in the switch getting started guide. |
Boot with the factory default IOS image | Use this option to discard the current image and to change to the factory-default software image. Settings for features supported on the default software image are retained, including the IP address, usernames, and passwords. Use this option if a software upgrade fails. Display the device manager, and try again to upgrade the switch software. |
Erase system configuration and boot with the factory default IOS image | Use this option to delete all of the configuration settings on the switch and to change to the factory-default software image. If you select this option, you must set up the switch again, as described in the switch getting started guide. |