- A
1. Interrupt boot sequence, 2. Change configuration register to 0x2142, 3. Reload router, 4. Copy startup-config to running-config, 5. Change enable password, 6. Save running-config, 7. Reset configuration register to 0x2102, 8. Reload router
This order is correct because you must first halt the boot to access ROMmon, then set the register to ignore startup config, reload to load the OS without config, copy the config to modify it, change the password, save, reset the register to boot normally, and final reload.
- B
1. Interrupt boot sequence, 2. Reload router, 3. Change configuration register to 0x2142, 4. Copy startup-config to running-config, 5. Change enable password, 6. Save running-config, 7. Reset configuration register to 0x2102, 8. Reload router
Why wrong: This is incorrect because reloading before changing the register means the router will boot with the original register value, ignoring the registers change, so the startup config will be loaded and you cannot modify it.
- C
1. Change configuration register to 0x2142, 2. Reload router, 3. Interrupt boot sequence, 4. Copy startup-config to running-config, 5. Change enable password, 6. Save running-config, 7. Reset configuration register to 0x2102, 8. Reload router
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you cannot change the register before interrupting the boot—you must be in ROMmon mode to modify the register, and that requires interrupting the boot sequence first.
- D
1. Change configuration register to 0x2142, 2. Interrupt boot sequence, 3. Reload router, 4. Copy startup-config to running-config, 5. Change enable password, 6. Save running-config, 7. Reset configuration register to 0x2102, 8. Reload router
Why wrong: This is incorrect because changing the register before interrupting the boot is impossible—the register change must be done after entering ROMmon via boot interrupt.
N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Drag and drop the steps to recover a lost router password on a Cisco device into the correct order.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
1. Interrupt boot sequence, 2. Change configuration register to 0x2142, 3. Reload router, 4. Copy startup-config to running-config, 5. Change enable password, 6. Save running-config, 7. Reset configuration register to 0x2102, 8. Reload router
Password recovery involves boot interruption, register change, and config reload.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
1. Interrupt boot sequence, 2. Change configuration register to 0x2142, 3. Reload router, 4. Copy startup-config to running-config, 5. Change enable password, 6. Save running-config, 7. Reset configuration register to 0x2102, 8. Reload router
Why this is correct
This order is correct because you must first halt the boot to access ROMmon, then set the register to ignore startup config, reload to load the OS without config, copy the config to modify it, change the password, save, reset the register to boot normally, and final reload.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
1. Interrupt boot sequence, 2. Reload router, 3. Change configuration register to 0x2142, 4. Copy startup-config to running-config, 5. Change enable password, 6. Save running-config, 7. Reset configuration register to 0x2102, 8. Reload router
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because reloading before changing the register means the router will boot with the original register value, ignoring the registers change, so the startup config will be loaded and you cannot modify it.
- ✗
1. Change configuration register to 0x2142, 2. Reload router, 3. Interrupt boot sequence, 4. Copy startup-config to running-config, 5. Change enable password, 6. Save running-config, 7. Reset configuration register to 0x2102, 8. Reload router
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you cannot change the register before interrupting the boot—you must be in ROMmon mode to modify the register, and that requires interrupting the boot sequence first.
- ✗
1. Change configuration register to 0x2142, 2. Interrupt boot sequence, 3. Reload router, 4. Copy startup-config to running-config, 5. Change enable password, 6. Save running-config, 7. Reset configuration register to 0x2102, 8. Reload router
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because changing the register before interrupting the boot is impossible—the register change must be done after entering ROMmon via boot interrupt.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the N10-009 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which N10-009 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
Networking Concepts — This question tests Networking Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 1. Interrupt boot sequence, 2. Change configuration register to 0x2142, 3. Reload router, 4. Copy startup-config to running-config, 5. Change enable password, 6. Save running-config, 7. Reset configuration register to 0x2102, 8. Reload router — Password recovery involves boot interruption, register change, and config reload.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which N10-009 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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