Setup Mode Facts
If the router is brand new, it has no startup-config file. Therefore, when it boots, it immediately enters Setup mode. Setup mode is a special, guided routine that asks you a series of questions and uses your responses to make basic configuration entries.
There are two ways to enter setup mode:
- Boot the router without the startup-config file. This happens when you erase the current startup-config file, or when you boot a new router.
- Use the setup command from privileged mode.
You can exit setup mode without answering all the questions by pressing Ctrl + C. The information you've entered to that point will not be saved.
Cisco routers and switches come with the following defaults:
- No set passwords. During setup mode, passwords are created.
- All router interfaces are in shutdown mode until they are enabled.
- All switch interfaces are enabled and ready to forward packets.
Note: Some Cisco switches allow you to enter an express setup mode. Be aware of the following express setup details:
- The device must be enabled as a DHCP server.
- The device must be power cycled while pressing the Mode button and while your PC is connected to an Ethernet interface.
- Use a Web browser to enter the express setup mode by going to 10.10.10.1.
