password recovery/factory default

chusome

I recently bought a cisco 2501 router from ebay for educational purposes. It
came with preconfigured passwords which I didn't have so I used the
instructions at the following link:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/474/pswdrec_2500.htm

However when I get to the point where you should type in startup-config
running-config I get the response unknown command or computer name....

As well the prompt I have is different from the example. It shows:
router(boot)>
instead of
router>

the same applies for enable mode:
router(boot)#
instead of
router#

and now every time I power the router it gives me the setup program (twice
through)

Very confused here, all help is appreciated.

wildfire

The link you provided aboved does not work, but just curious what value did you change the config register to? I think instead of putting it into ignore startup config 0x2142 (defult config is 0x2102)

here is the method I use

1.
use hyperterminal --- while router boots --- do Ctrl + Break ( to get into rom monitor)

2.
to change configuration register to ignore nvram.....

for 2500, >o/r 0x2142

3.
to reboot the router.....

2500, >I

4.
after this, router boots without looking nvram.....
#copy start run
#config t
(config)#enable secret
(config)#config-register 0x2102
#copy run start
#reload