Just getting started with ICND1, need a pep talk

Im pretty frustrated, I think I just need to vent. Hopefully some of you will be able to give me a shove in the right direction.

Last week I started watching CBT Nuggets for ICND1. Im about half way through and I decide I want to start getting some hands on experience. I was laid off in October, but before I left I told my manager I wanted to go for the CCNA and he gave me some hardware that had been retired. This is where where my headache begins.

-Strike 1: What appears to be a model 3620 router (no clear printed model number, i made a guess based on the s/n sticker). Unfortunately it doesn't use a standard power cable and I dont have the adapter. The thing looks pretty shabby, is it worth my while to get a plug for it?

-Strike 2: A model 2811 router. It powers on and Im able to access it using a console connection. It makes so much noise I want to jump out the window. It appears to only boot to "rommon" mode with the following error msg: "cannot determine the first file name on device "flash".
Following some directions I found online, I set up a tftp server and used "tftpdnld" to download a new copy of IOS to the router. (I have no clue if the version of IOS i found is even the right one.) The download goes for a few minutes and then mysteriously times out. The only error message I can find is the tftp server reporting that "the peer stopped responding".

-Strike 2.5: Ever since I installed the usb to serial adapter driver (had to use an adapter because my laptop doesnt have a serial port), my laptop crashes periodically.

-Strike 3: A model 1841 router. Powers on and boots to IOS (appears to be version 12.3). ITS QUIET! I was able to do a factory reset and get started practicing the commands I learned from CBT Nuggets. Some of the commands dont match, but thats ok Im figuring it out(I assume some of the commands on a switch are different on a router?). I make several config changes and then reset the router to test them. The router reboots to the config wizard prompt. I assume I missed a step and I go through the commands again, reboot, config wizard. "copy run start", nothing saved. "write mem", nothing saved. I read an article that suggests to erase the nvram, no help. Now Im starting to take it personally.

-Strike 4: I discover Dynamips/Dynagen and am very excited. I cannot get any of the labs to function. "cannot connect to localhost" and "error loading topology file".

I start drinking and i make this post with the hope that someone will be able to wave their magic cisco wand over me and get any of this stuff working.

Thank you for your time.

(UPDATE 2-1-12/13:30PST) - "Strike 3" has been solved ("confreg") and now I have a working 1841 router. I also bought a 2950 switch on ebay and am currently connecting everything. I need to do more homework to figure what, if anything, can be done about the 2811 ("strike 2"). Im also going to look into gsn3 and packet tracer later today.

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Comments

alxx

1. 3620 should have a standard iec power cable
3620's are rackable. Sure its not a 1720 ?
I suggest having a look in the lab pics thread
http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/15235-post-your-lab-pics-30.html
The 1700's have an iec lead on the plug pack. the plug pack to the router have a propriety connector.

2. you might need to delete then reformat the flash and then reinstall ios.
Could also try via xmodem but it will take a long time(up to a few hours).
Might want to also make sure the flash is properly installed.
Can get bounced out in shipping (not often but does happen).

2.5 what brand usb to serial adapter ?
Make sure you used the correct driver.

3. 1841's are nice, I want to get a couple more(have 1 so far).
I wouldn't use the config wizard. Set it up manually then save.
setup hostname, enable password, ethernet ip, serial ip, telnet password so can use telnet to login then save and reload.

exec
configure terminal
hostname blahblahblah
enable secret cisco
int FastEthernet 0/0
ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0
exit
int Serial 0/0
ip address 192.168.1.4 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
exit
line vty 0 4
password cisco
login
exit
exit (or cntrl z)
write m
copy running-config startup-config
reload

That should be enough to get you up and running

4. Get gsn3 its dynamips with a pretty front end
see CBT Nuggets Player

Relax and take it easy.
it can be a nice large learning curve so one step at a time and don't stress out.

LayOffPayOff

Hey Alxx thanks for the response. For #1 I have since confirmed that its a 3620, and here is a pic of the power plug

http://wiki.nesevo.com/images/9/95/PWR-600-AC-RPS_1.jpg

For #2, Ill look for information on erasing the flash, and checking the physical condition. It would also be great to have an answer for "what exactly am i looking for if i have to reinstall IOS on a 2811 router?"

for #2.5, i got the latest/greatest driver from the manufacturer so i dont think i can do any better there.

for #3, I have gone through all the steps you recommend, everytime i restart the router, the config wizard pops up and all the changes i just made are long gone.

for #4, is gsn3 a newer better version of dynagen? ill watch that video and check it out. thanks again.

alxx

1. You probably have a 3620 rps which uses a separate dc power supply unit.
maybe sell it on ebay and use the cash to buy something more useful ?
or buy a standard 3620 AC psu and remove the rps connector

2.

https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/docs/DOC-7162

tftp recovery
How to Download a Software Image to a Cisco 2600 via TFTP Using the tftpdnld ROMMON Command - Cisco Systems
Software Upgrade Procedure - Cisco Systems

xmodem recovery
Xmodem Console Download Procedure Using ROMmon - Cisco Systems

Cisco 2800 Series Integrated Services Routers Troubleshooting TechNotes - Cisco Systems
Cisco 2800 Series Hardware Installation - Troubleshooting Cisco 2800 Series Routers [Cisco 2800 Series Integrated Services Routers] - Cisco Systems

How to perform a Cisco IOS warm upgrade and reload to minimize downtime | TechRepublic

3. Is a cf card installed ?
what does show version give ?

If you do the commands I gave you above. but don't reload do
show running config
are any of the parameters you entered in the running config ?
Do the same for startup-config

can you copy the config to your tftp server ?
copy running-config tftp
copy startup-config tftp
then view them using a text editor like textpad/notepad/context/vim etc

4. gsn3 is a front end to dynamips. tells you on their site Graphical Network Simulator - GNS3

alxx

For the 1841 what does
show flash:
give you ?

dir works once you are in exec mode(type enable)

On mine
R1>sh ver
Cisco IOS Software, 1841 Software (C1841-SPSERVICESK9-M), Version 12.4(15)T4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: Support and Documentation - Cisco Systems
Copyright (c) 1986-2008 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 13-Mar-08 01:27 by prod_rel_team

ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 12.4(13r)T, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)

R1 uptime is 0 minutes
System returned to ROM by power-on
System image file is "flash:c1841-spservicesk9-mz.124-15.T4.bin"

This product contains cryptographic features and is subject to United
States and local country laws governing import, export, transfer and
use. Delivery of Cisco cryptographic products does not imply
third-party authority to import, export, distribute or use encryption.
Importers, exporters, distributors and users are responsible for
compliance with U.S. and local country laws. By using this product you
agree to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If you are unable
to comply with U.S. and local laws, return this product immediately.

A summary of U.S. laws governing Cisco cryptographic products may be found at:
Export Compliance Product Report Application

If you require further assistance please contact us by sending email to
export@cisco.com.

Cisco 1841 (revision 7.0) with 116736K/14336K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FHK113952H1
2 FastEthernet interfaces
4 Serial(sync/async) interfaces
DRAM configuration is 64 bits wide with parity disabled.
191K bytes of NVRAM.
62720K bytes of ATA CompactFlash (Read/Write)

Configuration register is 0x2102

1>show flash:
-#- --length--

date/time

path
1 27856840 Feb 23 1907 20:15:44 +00:00 c1841-spservicesk9-mz.124-15.T4.bin

36155392 bytes available (27856896 bytes used)

alxx

1841 config guideCisco 1800 Series Software Configuration - Configuration: Basic Software Configuration Using the Cisco IOS Command-Line Interface* [Cisco 1800 Series Integrated Services Routers] - Cisco Systems

dir nvram:

R1#dir nvram:
Directory of nvram:/

187 -rw- 1382 <no date> startup-config
188 ---- 1916 <no date> private-config
189 -rw- 1382 <no date> underlying-config
1 -rw- 0 <no date> ifIndex-table
2 -rw- 595 <no date> IOS-Self-Sig#1.cer
3 ---- 12 <no date> persistent-data
4 -rw- 574 <no date> IOS-Self-Sig#2.cer

196600 bytes total (189154 bytes free)

what you could try is save your running config
copy running-config old-config

then either
erase startup-config
then reload

or
delete startup-config
del nvram:startup-config

then reload

should give you a blank config

if you need the old config just
copy old-config running-config
then check it then save
write

alxx

Doing that gives

first way
R1#erase startup-config
Erasing the nvram filesystem will remove all configuration files! Continue? [confirm]
[OK]
Erase of nvram: complete
R1#
*Jan 31 08:38:10.063: %SYS-7-NV_BLOCK_INIT: Initialized the geometry of nvram
R1#
R1#dir
Directory of flash:/

1 -rw- 27856840 Feb 23 1907 20:15:44 +00:00 c1841-spservicesk9-mz.124-15.T4.bin
2 -rw- 2710 Jan 31 2012 08:19:48 +00:00 old-config

64012288 bytes total (36151296 bytes free)
R1#dir nvram:
Directory of nvram:/

190 -rw- 0 <no date> startup-config
191 ---- 0 <no date> private-config
192 -rw- 0 <no date> underlying-config
1 -rw- 0 <no date> ifIndex-table
2 -rw- 595 <no date> IOS-Self-Sig#1.cer
3 ---- 12 <no date> persistent-data
4 -rw- 574 <no date> IOS-Self-Sig#2.cer

196600 bytes total (192452 bytes free)
R1#reload
Proceed with reload? [confirm]

*Jan 31 08:39:42.919: %SYS-5-RELOAD: Reload requested by console. Reload Reason: Reload Command.
System Bootstrap, Version 12.4(13r)T, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 2006 by cisco Systems, Inc.
PLD version 0x10
GIO ASIC version 0x127
c1841 platform with 131072 Kbytes of main memory
Main memory is configured to 64 bit mode with parity disabled

Readonly ROMMON initialized
program load complete, entry point: 0x8000f000, size: 0xcb80
program load complete, entry point: 0x8000f000, size: 0xcb80

program load complete, entry point: 0x8000f000, size: 0x1a90e28
Self decompressing the image : ######################################################################################################################################## [OK]

Smart Init is enabled
smart init is sizing iomem
ID MEMORY_REQ TYPE
0X003AA110 public buffer pools
0X00211000 public particle pools
0X00020000 Crypto module pools
0X0012 0X00035000 Card in slot 0
0X0012 0X00035000 Card in slot 1
0X000021B8 Onboard USB

If any of the above Memory Requirements are
"UNKNOWN", you may be using an unsupported
configuration or there is a software problem and
system operation may be compromised.

Allocating additional 5186269 bytes to IO Memory.
PMem allocated: 119537664 bytes; IOMem allocated: 14680064 bytes

Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted
Rights clause at FAR sec. 52.227-19 and subparagraph
(c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer
Software clause at DFARS sec. 252.227-7013.

cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, California 95134-1706

Cisco IOS Software, 1841 Software (C1841-SPSERVICESK9-M), Version 12.4(15)T4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2008 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 13-Mar-08 01:27 by prod_rel_team
Image text-base: 0x60080650, data-base: 0x62009A40

This product contains cryptographic features and is subject to United
States and local country laws governing import, export, transfer and
use. Delivery of Cisco cryptographic products does not imply
third-party authority to import, export, distribute or use encryption.
Importers, exporters, distributors and users are responsible for
compliance with U.S. and local country laws. By using this product you
agree to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If you are unable
to comply with U.S. and local laws, return this product immediately.

A summary of U.S. laws governing Cisco cryptographic products may be found at:
http://www.cisco.com/wwl/export/crypto/tool/stqrg.html

If you require further assistance please contact us by sending email to
export@cisco.com.

Cisco 1841 (revision 7.0) with 116736K/14336K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FHK113952H1
2 FastEthernet interfaces
4 Serial(sync/async) interfaces
DRAM configuration is 64 bits wide with parity disabled.
191K bytes of NVRAM.
62720K bytes of ATA CompactFlash (Read/Write)

--- System Configuration Dialog ---

Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]:
% Please answer 'yes' or 'no'.
Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]:
% Please answer 'yes' or 'no'.
Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]: no

Would you like to terminate autoinstall? [yes]:

Press RETURN to get started!

*Jan 31 08:41:00.795: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0/0/0, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:41:00.795: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0/0/1, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:41:00.795: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0/1/0, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:41:00.795: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0/1/1, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:41:01.795: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0/0/0, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:41:01.795: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0/0/1, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:41:01.795: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0/1/0, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:41:01.795: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0/1/1, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:41:03.315: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/0, changed state to up
*Jan 31 08:41:07.587: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/1, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:41:29.723: AUTOINSTALL: FastEthernet0/0 is assigned 192.168.1.2
*Jan 31 08:41:29.723: AUTOINSTALL: Obtain siaddr 192.168.1.254 (as config server)
*Jan 31 08:41:29.723: AUTOINSTALL: Obtain default router (opt 3) 192.168.1.254
*Jan 31 08:41:56.263: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Serial0/0/0, changed state to administratively down
*Jan 31 08:41:56.267: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface FastEthernet0/1, changed state to administratively down
*Jan 31 08:41:56.271: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Serial0/0/1, changed state to administratively down
*Jan 31 08:41:56.271: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Serial0/1/0, changed state to administratively down
*Jan 31 08:41:56.271: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Serial0/1/1, changed state to administratively down
*Jan 31 08:41:57.719: %IP-5-WEBINST_KILL: Terminating DNS process
*Jan 31 08:42:01.131: %SYS-5-RESTART: System restarted --
Cisco IOS Software, 1841 Software (C1841-SPSERVICESK9-M), Version 12.4(15)T4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2008 by Cisco
Router>
Router>
Router>
Router>Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 13-Mar-08 01:27 by prod_rel_team
*Jan 31 08:42:01.139: %SNMP-5-COLDSTART: SNMP agent on host Router is undergoing a cold start
*Jan 31 08:42:01.355: %SYS-6-BOOTTIME: Time taken to reboot after reload = 137 seconds
Router>
%Error opening tftp://192.168.1.254/network-confg (Timed out)
Router>copy old-config running-config
^
% Invalid input detected at '^' marker.

Router>enable
Router#copy old-config running-config
Destination filename [running-config]?

2710 bytes copied in 6.748 secs (402 bytes/sec)
%Error opening tftp://192.168.1.254/cisconet.cfg (Timed out)
R1#

R1#config t
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
R1(config)#no service config
R1(config)#

R1#write
Building configuration...
[OK]
R1#

second way
R1#del nvram:startup-config
Delete filename [startup-config]?
Delete nvram:startup-config? [confirm]
[OK]
R1#dir
Directory of flash:/

1 -rw- 27856840 Feb 23 1907 20:15:44 +00:00 c1841-spservicesk9-mz.124-15.T4.bin
2 -rw- 2710 Jan 31 2012 08:19:48 +00:00 old-config

64012288 bytes total (36151296 bytes free)
R1#dir nvram:
Directory of nvram:/

187 -rw- 5 <no date> startup-config
188 ---- 1916 <no date> private-config
189 -rw- 5 <no date> underlying-config
1 -rw- 0 <no date> ifIndex-table
2 -rw- 595 <no date> IOS-Self-Sig#1.cer
3 ---- 12 <no date> persistent-data
4 -rw- 574 <no date> IOS-Self-Sig#2.cer

196600 bytes total (190531 bytes free)
R1#reload
Proceed with reload? [confirm]

*Jan 31 08:21:27.243: %SYS-5-RELOAD: Reload requested by console. Reload Reason: Reload Command.
System Bootstrap, Version 12.4(13r)T, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: Support and Documentation - Cisco Systems
Copyright (c) 2006 by cisco Systems, Inc.
PLD version 0x10
GIO ASIC version 0x127
c1841 platform with 131072 Kbytes of main memory
Main memory is configured to 64 bit mode with parity disabled

Readonly ROMMON initialized
program load complete, entry point: 0x8000f000, size: 0xcb80
program load complete, entry point: 0x8000f000, size: 0xcb80

program load complete, entry point: 0x8000f000, size: 0x1a90e28
Self decompressing the image : ######################################################################################################################################## [OK]

Smart Init is enabled
smart init is sizing iomem
ID MEMORY_REQ TYPE
0X003AA110 public buffer pools
0X00211000 public particle pools
0X00020000 Crypto module pools
0X0012 0X00035000 Card in slot 0
0X0012 0X00035000 Card in slot 1
0X000021B8 Onboard USB

If any of the above Memory Requirements are
"UNKNOWN", you may be using an unsupported
configuration or there is a software problem and
system operation may be compromised.

Allocating additional 5188317 bytes to IO Memory.
PMem allocated: 119537664 bytes; IOMem allocated: 14680064 bytes

Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted
Rights clause at FAR sec. 52.227-19 and subparagraph
(c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer
Software clause at DFARS sec. 252.227-7013.

cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, California 95134-1706

Cisco IOS Software, 1841 Software (C1841-SPSERVICESK9-M), Version 12.4(15)T4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: Support and Documentation - Cisco Systems
Copyright (c) 1986-2008 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 13-Mar-08 01:27 by prod_rel_team
Image text-base: 0x60080650, data-base: 0x62005A40

This product contains cryptographic features and is subject to United
States and local country laws governing import, export, transfer and
use. Delivery of Cisco cryptographic products does not imply
third-party authority to import, export, distribute or use encryption.
Importers, exporters, distributors and users are responsible for
compliance with U.S. and local country laws. By using this product you
agree to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If you are unable
to comply with U.S. and local laws, return this product immediately.

A summary of U.S. laws governing Cisco cryptographic products may be found at:
Export Compliance Product Report Application

If you require further assistance please contact us by sending email to
export@cisco.com.

Cisco 1841 (revision 7.0) with 116736K/14336K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FHK113952H1
2 FastEthernet interfaces
4 Serial(sync/async) interfaces
DRAM configuration is 64 bits wide with parity disabled.
191K bytes of NVRAM.
62720K bytes of ATA CompactFlash (Read/Write)

SETUP: new interface FastEthernet0/0 placed in "shutdown" state
SETUP: new interface FastEthernet0/1 placed in "shutdown" state
SETUP: new interface Serial0/0/0 placed in "shutdown" state
SETUP: new interface Serial0/0/1 placed in "shutdown" state
SETUP: new interface Serial0/1/0 placed in "shutdown" state
SETUP: new interface Serial0/1/1 placed in "shutdown" state

Press RETURN to get started!

*Jan 31 08:22:43.807: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0/0/0, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:22:43.807: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0/0/1, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:22:43.807: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0/1/0, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:22:43.807: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0/1/1, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:22:44.807: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0/0/0, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:22:44.807: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0/0/1, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:22:44.807: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0/1/0, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:22:44.807: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0/1/1, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:22:45.859: %SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from memory by console
*Jan 31 08:22:46.459: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/0, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:22:46.459: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface FastEthernet0/1, changed state to administratively down
*Jan 31 08:22:47.015: %SYS-5-RESTART: System restarted --
Cisco IOS Software, 1841 Software (C1841-SPSERVICESK9-M), Version 12.4(15)T4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: Support and Documentation - Cisco Systems
Copyright (c) 1986-2008 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 13-Mar-08 01:27 by prod_rel_team
*Jan 31 08:22:47.019: %SNMP-5-COLDSTART: SNMP agent on host Router is undergoing a cold start
*Jan 31 08:22:47.075: %SSH-5-ENABLED: SSH 1.99 has been enabled
*Jan 31 08:22:47.231: %SYS-6-BOOTTIME: Time taken to reboot after reload = 79 seconds
*Jan 31 08:22:47.459: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/1, changed state to down
*Jan 31 08:22:47.863: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface FastEthernet0/0, changed state to administratively down
*Jan 31 08:22:48.139: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Serial0/0/0, changed state to administratively down
*Jan 31 08:22:48.259: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Serial0/0/1, changed state to administratively down
*Jan 31 08:22:48.

Router>
415: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Serial0/1/0, changed state to administratively down
*Jan 31 08:22:48.515: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Serial0/1/1, changed state to administratively down

Router>enable
Router#sh running-config
Building configuration...

Current configuration : 906 bytes
!
version 12.4
service timestamps debug datetime msec
service timestamps log datetime msec
no service password-encryption
!
hostname Router
!
boot-start-marker
boot-end-marker
!
!
no aaa new-model
ip cef
!
!
!
!
multilink bundle-name authenticated
!
!
!
!
archive
log config
hidekeys
!
!
!
!
!
interface FastEthernet0/0
no ip address
shutdown
duplex auto
speed auto
!
interface FastEthernet0/1
no ip address
shutdown
duplex auto
speed auto
!
interface Serial0/0/0
no ip address
shutdown
clock rate 2000000
!
interface Serial0/0/1
no ip address
shutdown
clock rate 2000000
!
interface Serial0/1/0
no ip address
shutdown
clock rate 2000000
!
interface Serial0/1/1
no ip address
shutdown
clock rate 2000000
!
ip forward-protocol nd
!
!
no ip http server
no ip http secure-server
!
!
!
!
control-plane
!
!
!
line con 0
line aux 0
line vty 0 4
login
!
scheduler allocate 20000 1000
end

Router#copy old-config running-config
Destination filename [running-config]?

2710 bytes copied in 1.344 secs (2016 bytes/sec)
R1#sh run
Building configuration...

Current configuration : 2740 bytes
!
version 12.4
service timestamps debug datetime msec
service timestamps log datetime msec
no service password-encryption
!
hostname R1
!
boot-start-marker
boot-end-marker
!
enable secret 5 $1$PmZ1$UxEB8ZWyXdz66U8E0dkbX/
!
aaa new-model
!
!
!
!
aaa session-id common
no ip cef
!
!
!
!
multilink bundle-name authenticated
!
!
!
interface FastEthernet0/0
ip address 192.168.1.31 255.255.255.0
shutdown
duplex auto
speed auto
!
interface FastEthernet0/1
ip address 10.10.10.2 255.255.255.0
shutdown
duplex auto
speed auto
!
interface Serial0/0/0
ip address 1.10.10.1 255.255.255.0
shutdown
clock rate 2000000
!
interface Serial0/0/1
no ip address
shutdown
clock rate 2000000
!
interface Serial0/1/0
no ip address
shutdown
clock rate 2000000
!
interface Serial0/1/1
no ip address
shutdown
clock rate 2000000
!
ip forward-protocol nd
!
!
ip http server
no ip http secure-server
!
!
!
!
control-plane
!
!
!
line con 0
password cisco
line aux 0
password cisco
line vty 0 4
password cisco
line vty 5 15
password cisco
!
scheduler allocate 20000 1000
end

R1#write
Building configuration...
[OK]

R1#

alxx

If you do the same commands what do you get ?

LayOffPayOff

First off Alxx I just want to say thanks for all the info. I actually discovered the issue I was having, although I dont really understand it yet. When I did "show run" id get "Configuration register is 0x2142" at the bottom. I followed some instructions online and changed that number to "0x2102", and now the configs seem to be getting saved. Maybe you can help me understand what happened?

alxx

That config register setting makes it bypass the startup-configWhy Does My Router Lose Its Configuration During Reboot? - Cisco Systems

sh ver or show version gives the config register status

LayOffPayOff

Thanks again for your help. I had a good sleep last night and im feeling ready to take another stab at this. Assuming things remain as they are, would the 1841 be sufficient for me to train for the CCENT/CCNA or do I need to try to find a different model? I notice that the CBT Nuggets are using a switch whereas I am using a router.

Thanks

MAC_Addy

You'll probably want to get at least a 2950 switch.

fsanyee

I think at least 2950C/G/T. There are a few feature what you cant use with standard 2950, like RSTP, MSTP or QoS.

LayOffPayOff

Would this work?

CISCO CATALYST 2950 WS-C2950-12T WORKING | eBay

if not, what would be the best bang for my limited unemployment buck?

MAC_Addy

Yep, that'll work.

VAHokie56

wow...just use packet tracer dude Packet Tracer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

that's all I used to study with for CCNA

Turgon

LayOffPayOff wrote: »

Im pretty frustrated, I think I just need to vent. Hopefully some of you will be able to give me a shove in the right direction.

Last week I started watching CBT Nuggets for ICND1. Im about half way through and I decide I want to start getting some hands on experience. I was laid off in October, but before I left I told my manager I wanted to go for the CCNA and he gave me some hardware that had been retired. This is where where my headache begins.

-Strike 1: What appears to be a model 3620 router (no clear printed model number, i made a guess based on the s/n sticker). Unfortunately it doesn't use a standard power cable and I dont have the adapter. The thing looks pretty shabby, is it worth my while to get a plug for it?

-Strike 2: A model 2811 router. It powers on and Im able to access it using a console connection. It makes so much noise I want to jump out the window. It appears to only boot to "rommon" mode with the following error msg: "cannot determine the first file name on device "flash".
Following some directions I found online, I set up a tftp server and used "tftpdnld" to download a new copy of IOS to the router. (I have no clue if the version of IOS i found is even the right one.) The download goes for a few minutes and then mysteriously times out. The only error message I can find is the tftp server reporting that "the peer stopped responding".

-Strike 2.5: Ever since I installed the usb to serial adapter driver (had to use an adapter because my laptop doesnt have a serial port), my laptop crashes periodically.

-Strike 3: A model 1841 router. Powers on and boots to IOS (appears to be version 12.3). ITS QUIET! I was able to do a factory reset and get started practicing the commands I learned from CBT Nuggets. Some of the commands dont match, but thats ok Im figuring it out(I assume some of the commands on a switch are different on a router?). I make several config changes and then reset the router to test them. The router reboots to the config wizard prompt. I assume I missed a step and I go through the commands again, reboot, config wizard. "copy run start", nothing saved. "write mem", nothing saved. I read an article that suggests to erase the nvram, no help. Now Im starting to take it personally.

-Strike 4: I discover Dynamips/Dynagen and am very excited. I cannot get any of the labs to function. "cannot connect to localhost" and "error loading topology file".

I start drinking and i make this post with the hope that someone will be able to wave their magic cisco wand over me and get any of this stuff working.

Thank you for your time.

I have a stack of 2500 routers at home that have served me very well over the years. In fact Im working through their issues tonight. Its been in storage for almost 2 years but Im getting there. Its a good learning curve. Anything fancy in terms of features I use remote racks, but old gear can serve well for lots of practice. Be patient and take the pain with your gear. I have overcome many issues assembling my home lab the last four days because I have been through it before..it helps you in the datacentre too.

LayOffPayOff

I bought the 2950. Ive never heard of packet tracer but ill look in to it today. again thanks for all your help, i was pretty frustrated yesterday but im back in the game today.

alxx

packet tracer is cisco's simulator for switches and routers for learning.

1841 is perfectly fine for labbing on.A lot newer than what most people are using.
They are are very nice and quiet and will do you up to ccie with enough ram ,flash and wics.

stlsmoore

Believe it or not you're gaining a lot of real world experience going through the frustrations you're going through. Trust me man I've been there both in my labs and in the real world, I feel your pain. Just recently I ran into issue #3 in my current CCNP: Voice lab on one of my 2821's. If nothing else you're learning things that the books isn't teaching you.

LayOffPayOff

Yeah I understand that, I know ill be glad about it all when its over. My newest lesson is that a 2950 doesn't support SSH if the IOS is old. Time to learn how to do an update...

alxx

At least with 2950's you can get the ios for free from cisco , unlike the routers where you need a support contract
Just register , create a login then browse Download Software - Cisco Systems

e.g
Download Software - Cisco Systems