It is a bit different and annoying here for these types of routers/models as you need to physically remove the CF (Compact Flash) and only then, will it enter ROMMON mode (Ctrl + Pause remotely over the console will not do it for us). This means you cannot do this remotely, or at least not without the help of a remote/physical helper.
Go to the router and remove the slot#2 cover uses your hand or it may help to use a flathead screwdriver. Then push the left lever in twice to eject the CF flash. You can let it sit partially in the slot so you don't lose it.
Once you have entered ROMMON mode as below and the boot process is complete and you did the confreg, MAKE sure you now insert the CF disk back into the slot, BEFORE you RESET.
System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 2009 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Total memory size = 512 MB - On-board = 512 MB, DIMM0 = 0 MB
CISCO2901/K9 platform with 524288 Kbytes of main memory
Main memory is configured to 72/-1(On-board/DIMM0) bit mode with ECC enabled
Readonly ROMMON initialized
Compact Flash0: Not present
System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 2009 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Total memory size = 512 MB - On-board = 512 MB, DIMM0 = 0 MB
CISCO2901/K9 platform with 524288 Kbytes of main memory
Main memory is configured to 72/-1(On-board/DIMM0) bit mode with ECC enabled
Readonly ROMMON initialized
Compact Flash1: Not present
System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 2009 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Total memory size = 512 MB - On-board = 512 MB, DIMM0 = 0 MB
CISCO2901/K9 platform with 524288 Kbytes of main memory
Main memory is configured to 72/-1(On-board/DIMM0) bit mode with ECC enabled
Readonly ROMMON initialized
Compact Flash0: Not present
System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 2009 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Total memory size = 512 MB - On-board = 512 MB, DIMM0 = 0 MB
CISCO2901/K9 platform with 524288 Kbytes of main memory
Main memory is configured to 72/-1(On-board/DIMM0) bit mode with ECC enabled
Readonly ROMMON initialized
rommon 1 >
Follow the rest of the Cisco Password Reset Guide from here starting with Step 2
System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 2009 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Total memory size = 512 MB - On-board = 512 MB, DIMM0 = 0 MB
CISCO2901/K9 platform with 524288 Kbytes of main memory
Main memory is configured to 72/-1(On-board/DIMM0) bit mode with ECC enabled
Readonly ROMMON initialized
program load complete, entry point: 0x80803000, size: 0x1b340
program load complete, entry point: 0x80803000, size: 0x1b340
IOS Image Load Test
___________________
Digitally Signed Release Software
program load complete, entry point: 0x81000000, size: 0x3ba8f3c
Self decompressing the image : ################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################ [OK]
Smart Init is enabled
smart init is sizing iomem
TYPE MEMORY_REQ
Onboard devices &
buffer pools 0x0228F000
-----------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 0x0228F000
Rounded IOMEM up to: 36Mb.
Using 7 percent iomem. [36Mb/512Mb]
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, C2900 Software (C2900-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.0(1)M1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2009 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 02-Dec-09 15:23 by prod_rel_team
Image text-base: 0x2100A1D8, data-base: 0x258D5900
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.
Installed image archive
Cisco CISCO2901/K9 (revision 1.0) with 487424K/36864K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FTX1337Y536
2 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
1 Virtual Private Network (VPN) Module
DRAM configuration is 64 bits wide with parity enabled.
255K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
254464K bytes of ATA System CompactFlash 0 (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]:
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