Bypass password on console CS4016

Here is an overview of a procedure I put into my notes; the original came from Avocent's discussions somewhere but I've lost the attribution.  I've only used this once for each version, but it worked.

You MUST have physical access to the unit.

First, there are at least a couple of different versions of code, and you may need to re-boot a couple of times until you've identified the version of this procedure that works for you.

Newer code:

• Attach a device to the console port (9600,8,N,1,none). Verify the settings haven't been altered by hitting the enter key and viewing the output.
• Power cycle the unit; within several seconds there will be a line of text:

Hit any key to stop autoboot: 5

which will count down to 0.  Press a key to interrupt the count-down.  You will receive a --> prompt.

• Enter the command

hw_boot single

• After unit boots fully into single-user mode, you will receive a bash-3.00# prompt.  Enter the command passwd
• You will be prompted to enter a replacement password, which will be used for the root user.  Do so, and repeat it at the next prompt.
• Soft re-boot, via the reboot command.  Do not power-cycle.
• Wait for it to boot fully to the login: prompt.  At that time enter root and, when prompted, the new password.

Older code:

• Connect and test terminal.
• Power cycle the unit.  Within several seconds, there will be lines similar to

loaded at: 00002120 00E4E45C relocated to: 00400020 0124C35C board data at: 0124A120 0124A35C relocated to: 00405240 0040547C zimage at: 00406444 0054686C initrd at: 00547000 012494A3 avail ram: 0124D000 08000000 Linux/PPC load: root=/dev/ram rw

• At this point, press the space bar then type (blind) 'single' (without quotes) and press enter.  (This is time-sensitive; if you don't get it entered in time, you'll have to start over.)  Several minutes' booting activity will scroll past until you finally get an indication that you caught it in time.
• After the unit boots fully into single-user mode, you will receive a [root@(none) /] prompt.  Enter the commandpasswd
• You will be prompted to enter a replacement password, which will be used for the root user.  Do so, and repeat.
• Save the configuration change (via the saveconf command).
• Soft re-boot, via the reboot command.  Do not power-cycle.
• Wait for it to boot fully to the login: prompt.  At that time enter root and, when prompted, the new password.

I hope this helps.