# Overview [Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Switch Product Overview](https://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960x/hardware/installation/guide/b_c2960x_hig_chapter_01.html#ID16) # Factory Default Resetting a Cisco 2960 switch to factory defaults is a crucial procedure for IT professionals looking to clear all configurations and start anew, perhaps in preparation for redeployment or troubleshooting. This guide provides a step-by-step process to ensure that resetting a Cisco 2960 switch will be successful. ### Preparation Before proceeding with resetting a Cisco 2960 switch, ensure you have the following: - Direct physical access to the switch. - A console cable connected to the switch and a computer with terminal software installed (like PuTTY or Tera Term). ### Process for Resetting a Cisco 2960 Switch Follow these detailed steps to reset your Cisco 2960 switch to factory settings: ### Step 1: Power Off the Switch Start by powering down the [Cisco](https://www.cisco.com/) 2960 switch. It’s important to start the process with the switch powered off to enter the mode required for reset. ### Step 2: Access Mode Button Locate the Mode button on the front panel of the switch. This button is crucial for initiating the reset process. ### Step 3: Power On and Hold the Mode Button With the console cable connected and your terminal software open and configured (9600 baud rate, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control), power on the switch. Immediately press and hold the Mode button. Keep holding the button until the LED above port 1x goes out, indicating that the switch has entered setup mode. This typically takes about 1 to 3 seconds. ### Step 4: Initialize the Flash File System Once the switch is in setup mode, you will see a prompt on your terminal. At this point, you should initialize the flash file system by entering the command: ``` switch: flash_init ``` This command prepares the storage on the switch for further operations. ### Step 5: Delete Configuration Files Next, delete the configuration files from the switch’s memory. This is done by executing the following command: ``` switch: del flash:config.text ``` Confirm the deletion when prompted to ensure that the configuration file is removed, which will clear all previous settings. ### Step 6: Reload the Switch Finally, reload the switch to apply changes and restart with factory default settings. Use the command: ``` switch: reload ``` Confirm the action if prompted, and do not save when asked to save the configuration. This will cause the switch to reboot, and it should come up with a factory default configuration.