Courseiva
SystemPrivileged EXEC

write erase

Erases the startup configuration from NVRAM, resetting the device to factory defaults on next reload.

Syntax·Privileged EXEC
write erase

When to Use This Command

  • Preparing a router for redeployment in a different network environment.
  • Clearing a misconfigured device before applying a new configuration.
  • Returning a device to a known clean state for troubleshooting.
  • Removing all configuration before returning leased equipment.

Command Examples

Basic write erase

write erase
Erasing the nvram filesystem will remove all configuration files! Continue? [confirm]
[OK]
Erase of nvram: complete

The command prompts for confirmation; pressing Enter confirms. The output confirms the NVRAM filesystem has been erased successfully.

Alternative command with reload

write erase reload
Erasing the nvram filesystem will remove all configuration files! Continue? [confirm]
[OK]
Erase of nvram: complete

Proceed with reload? [confirm]

%SYS-5-RELOAD: Reload requested

After erasing, the reload command reboots the device. The device will load the default factory configuration.

Understanding the Output

The output begins with a warning that all configuration files will be removed and prompts for confirmation. Typing 'yes' or pressing Enter proceeds. '[OK]' indicates the erase operation succeeded. 'Erase of nvram: complete' confirms the NVRAM filesystem is now empty. After this, the device still runs the current running configuration until reloaded. A subsequent 'reload' command will reboot the device, which then boots with no startup configuration, prompting the initial configuration dialog or entering setup mode.

CCNA Exam Tips

1.

CCNA exam tip: 'write erase' is equivalent to 'erase startup-config' — both remove the startup configuration from NVRAM.

2.

CCNA exam tip: The command does not affect the running configuration; a reload is required to clear the running config.

3.

CCNA exam tip: You must be in privileged EXEC mode (enable) to use this command.

4.

CCNA exam tip: After 'write erase', the device will prompt for initial configuration on next reload; this is a common scenario for password recovery.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Forgetting to reload after 'write erase' — the running configuration remains active until reboot.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'write erase' with 'write memory' — 'write memory' saves the running config to startup, while 'write erase' deletes it.

Mistake 3: Not confirming the prompt — the command requires confirmation; simply pressing Enter is sufficient.

Related Commands

erase startup-config

Deletes the startup configuration file from NVRAM, causing the router to load with factory defaults on next reload.

reload

The reload command reboots a Cisco IOS device, typically used to apply configuration changes or recover from a system issue.

show startup-config

Displays the saved configuration stored in NVRAM that loads on next device boot.

write memory

Saves the current running configuration to the startup configuration in NVRAM, ensuring changes persist after a reload.

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