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Network Management Card (NMC) Password Reset Procedure
Issue
Forgotten or lost Network Management Card (NMC) password. This article applies to Network Management Card 1, 2 and 3, as well as any devices that contain an embedded version of these cards such as a Rack Power Distribution Unit (PDU) or Rack Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).
Product Line
Environment
The Network Management Card's administrator username and/or password has been forgotten or lost and requires a special reset procedure in order to regain access.
Resolution
These steps will require local access to NMC1 and NMC2 device(s) and require you to directly connect to it with the APC serial configuration cable. Browse the steps below for your device model in order to reset the Administrator's password.
NOTE: Connecting a non-APC serial cable during the procedures below can cause unwanted erratic device behavior.
Web/SNMP Card & Network Management Card 1 Procedure
In addition, if you are trying to reset a password on a UPS that has more than one SmartSlot accessory installed in it (i.e. AP9607 Interface Expander), it may be required to temporarily remove the other SmartSlot accessories to gain direct serial access to the NMC console interface. Please reference that accessory's User Guide on how to do that. It is also important to make sure that the accessories are installed in the correct order, referencing this document.
1.) Select a serial port at the local computer, and disable any service that uses that port.
2.) Refer to the chart below and obtain the correct communication cable for the Network Management Card 1-enabled device:
* Indicates the device uses NMC2 password reset procedure.
3.) Connect the serial cable to the selected port on the computer and to the configuration port at the UPS/Network Management Card Embedded device.
4.) Run a terminal program (such as HyperTerminal®) and configure the selected port as follows, depending on your device model type (refer to the user's manual if the device is not listed below):
**Indicates the device uses NMC2 password reset procedure.
NOTE:For three phase UPS devices, it will be necessary to remove the communication cable from the port labeled "Display" that connects to the PowerView display prior to completing this reset procedure.
5.) Press ENTER, repeatedly if necessary, to display the User Name prompt. If you are unable to display the User Name prompt, verify the following:
6.) Press the Reset button once. The Status LED will flash rapidly (almost immediately) while alternating between orange and green.NOTE: If you are using an AP9606, proceed to step 7. Press the Reset button again a second time immediately while the LED is rapidly flashing - which will cause the LED to then go off - in order to reset the User Name and Password to their defaults temporarily (the default User Name and password are both apc).
7.) Press ENTER as many times as necessary to redisplay the User Name prompt, then use the default, apc, for the user name and password. (If you take longer than 30 seconds to log on after the User Name prompt is redisplayed, you must repeat step 5 and log on again.)
8.) From the Control Console menu, select System, then User Manager.
9.) Select Administrator, and change the User Name and Password settings, both of which are now apc.
10.) Press CTRL+C, log off, reconnect any serial cable you disconnected, and restart any service you disabled.
NOTE:For Network Management Cards running lower than version 2.5 firmware (or models AP9606), step 6 (the second reset press) will not be necessary.
Network Management Card 2 Procedure
NOTE: On v6.X.X firmware, the Super User or Administrator level accounts can reset other Administrator, Device, Read Only, and Network Only user passwords. This procedure may not be required if the Super User password or at least one set of Administrator credentials are known.
You can use a local computer that connects to the Network Management Card through the serial port to access the command line interface. This port is labeled "Console" and is on the Network Management Card itself. You'll also need to press the pinhole reset button - access is located on the front of the Network Management Card to the right of the Ethernet jack.
1.) Select a serial port at the local computer, and disable any service that uses that port.
2.) Connect the provided serial cable (APC part number 940-0299) to the selected port on the computer and to the configuration port at the Network Management Card.
3.) Run a terminal program (such as HyperTerminal®) and configure the selected port for 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control.
4.) Press ENTER, repeatedly if necessary, to display the User Name prompt. If you are unable to display the User Name prompt, verify the following:
5.) Press the Reset button once (please note, sometimes aligning a paper clip or similar to the pinhole reset button can be difficult. It is suggested to hold the paper clip or similar device towards the top of the reset button hole and press gently until the alignment is made). Wait 5-7 seconds (the Status LED will be off while you wait) and then after that period of time, the Status LED will flash rapidly while alternating between orange and green. Press the Reset button a second time immediately while the LED is rapidly flashing - which will cause the LED to then go off - in order to reset the User Name and Password to their defaults temporarily (the default User Name and password are both apc).
6.) Press ENTER, repeatedly if necessary, to display the User Name prompt again, then use the default, apc, for the User Name and password. (If you take longer than 30 seconds to log on after the User Name prompt is redisplayed, you must repeat step 5 and log on again.)
7a.) For v5.X.X firmware only: At the Command Line Interface, use the following commands to change the User Name and Password settings, both of which are now temporarily apc:
user -an yourAdministratorName
user -ap yourAdministratorPassword
For example, to change the Administrator user name to Admin, type:
user -an Admin
7b.) For v6.X.X firmware only:At the Command Line Interface, use the following commands to change the Password setting for the Super User account, for which the username is always apc, and the password is now temporarily apc:
user -n apc -pw yourNewSuperUserPassword
For example, to change the Super User's password to p@ssword, type:
user -n apc -pw p@ssword
Secondly, the Super User account can be disabled for security reasons. In addition to possibly needing to reset its password, you may need to re-enable the account if no other administrative access is available or known. To do that, type:
user -n apc -e enable
Because the Super User can also reset the password for any account, you can reset other user's passwords as well. For example, to change the password for user upsadmin too, type:
user -n upsadmin -pw p@ssword
NOTE:Per the v6.X.X's firmware User Guide, please note that changing user name information is no longer supported via the Command Line Interface. If a user's user name needs to be changed, it must be deleted and re-created. The Super User will also have access now to log in and adjust any other user's password.
8.) Type quit or exit to log off, reconnect any serial cable you disconnected, and restart any service you disabled.
The following video explains the password reset procedure for Network Management Card 2 with firmware revisions of v6.X.X.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSzkHWVQfAo
Network Management Card 3 / Network Management Card for Easy UPS Procedure
NOTE: Resetting your NMC will reset the card to its default configuration.
If you forget your NMC’s password, you must use the Reset button on the NMC to wipe all configuration, including the password.
1.) Hold down the Reset button for 20-25 seconds, ensuring the Status LED is pulsing green during this time.
2.) When the Status LED change to amber or orange, release the Reset button to allow the NMC to complete its reboot process.
3.) After the NMC reboots, you must re-configure your NMC. For more information, see the NMC Installation Guide on the APC website.
NOTE: It is recommended you export the config.ini file after configuring your NMC to prevent loss of data in the event of a lost password.
Forgotten or lost Network Management Card (NMC) password. This article applies to Network Management Card 1, 2 and 3, as well as any devices that contain an embedded version of these cards such as a Rack Power Distribution Unit (PDU) or Rack Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).
Product Line
- Web/SNMP Card - AP9606
- Network Management Card 1 - AP9617, AP9618, AP9619
- Network Management Card 2 - AP9630/AP9630CH, AP9631/AP9631CH, AP9635/35CH
- Network Management Card 3 – AP9640, AP9641, AP9643
- Network Management Card for Easy UPS - AP9544
Environment
- All firmware versions (unless otherwise noted)
- All serial numbers
The Network Management Card's administrator username and/or password has been forgotten or lost and requires a special reset procedure in order to regain access.
Resolution
These steps will require local access to NMC1 and NMC2 device(s) and require you to directly connect to it with the APC serial configuration cable. Browse the steps below for your device model in order to reset the Administrator's password.
NOTE: Connecting a non-APC serial cable during the procedures below can cause unwanted erratic device behavior.
Web/SNMP Card & Network Management Card 1 Procedure
In addition, if you are trying to reset a password on a UPS that has more than one SmartSlot accessory installed in it (i.e. AP9607 Interface Expander), it may be required to temporarily remove the other SmartSlot accessories to gain direct serial access to the NMC console interface. Please reference that accessory's User Guide on how to do that. It is also important to make sure that the accessories are installed in the correct order, referencing this document.
1.) Select a serial port at the local computer, and disable any service that uses that port.
2.) Refer to the chart below and obtain the correct communication cable for the Network Management Card 1-enabled device:
| Device | Configuration Cable Part Number |
| Most UPS devices with a DB-9 style serial port | 940-0024 or 940-1524 (DB-9 to DB-9) |
| Rack PDU (AP84XX*, AP86XX*, AP88XX*, AP89XX*, AP78XX, AP79XX) | 940-0144 (RJ-12 to DB-9) |
| 1st Generation Rack Automatic Transfer Switch (AP7750, AP7701, AP7722) | 940-1000 (DB-9 to DB-9) |
| 2nd Generation Rack Automatic Transfer Switch (AP77XX, excluding 1st Generation SKUs) | 940-0144 (RJ-12 to DB-9) |
| 4th Generation Rack Automatic Transfer Switch (AP44XX) | 940-0144 (RJ-12 to DB-9) |
| NetBotz 200/Environmental Monitoring (AP9319, AP9340, AP9320) | 940-0103 (DB-9 to DB-9) |
| Rack Air Removal Unit (ACF400, ACF402) | 940-0103 (DB-9 to DB-9) |
3.) Connect the serial cable to the selected port on the computer and to the configuration port at the UPS/Network Management Card Embedded device.
4.) Run a terminal program (such as HyperTerminal®) and configure the selected port as follows, depending on your device model type (refer to the user's manual if the device is not listed below):
| Device | COM Port Settings |
| Most UPS devices with a DB-9 style serial port | 2400 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control |
| Rack PDU 1G and 2G** | 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control |
| 1st Generation Rack Automatic Transfer Switch (AP7750) | 19,200 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control for initial configuration, 2400 bps for NMC configuration - refer to user's manual for more information |
| 2nd Generation Rack Automatic Transfer Switch (AP77XX, except AP7750) | 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control |
| 4th Generation Rack Automatic Transfer Switch (AP44XX) | 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control |
| NetBotz 200/Environmental Monitoring (AP9319, AP9340, AP9320) | 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control |
| Rack Air Removal Unit (ACF400, ACF402) | 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control |
**Indicates the device uses NMC2 password reset procedure.
NOTE:For three phase UPS devices, it will be necessary to remove the communication cable from the port labeled "Display" that connects to the PowerView display prior to completing this reset procedure.
5.) Press ENTER, repeatedly if necessary, to display the User Name prompt. If you are unable to display the User Name prompt, verify the following:
- The serial port is not in use by another application.
- SCROLL LOCK is off/disabled.
- The terminal settings are correct as specified in step 3.
- The correct cable is being used as specified in step 2.
6.) Press the Reset button once. The Status LED will flash rapidly (almost immediately) while alternating between orange and green.NOTE: If you are using an AP9606, proceed to step 7. Press the Reset button again a second time immediately while the LED is rapidly flashing - which will cause the LED to then go off - in order to reset the User Name and Password to their defaults temporarily (the default User Name and password are both apc).
7.) Press ENTER as many times as necessary to redisplay the User Name prompt, then use the default, apc, for the user name and password. (If you take longer than 30 seconds to log on after the User Name prompt is redisplayed, you must repeat step 5 and log on again.)
8.) From the Control Console menu, select System, then User Manager.
9.) Select Administrator, and change the User Name and Password settings, both of which are now apc.
10.) Press CTRL+C, log off, reconnect any serial cable you disconnected, and restart any service you disabled.
NOTE:For Network Management Cards running lower than version 2.5 firmware (or models AP9606), step 6 (the second reset press) will not be necessary.
Network Management Card 2 Procedure
NOTE: On v6.X.X firmware, the Super User or Administrator level accounts can reset other Administrator, Device, Read Only, and Network Only user passwords. This procedure may not be required if the Super User password or at least one set of Administrator credentials are known.
You can use a local computer that connects to the Network Management Card through the serial port to access the command line interface. This port is labeled "Console" and is on the Network Management Card itself. You'll also need to press the pinhole reset button - access is located on the front of the Network Management Card to the right of the Ethernet jack.
1.) Select a serial port at the local computer, and disable any service that uses that port.
2.) Connect the provided serial cable (APC part number 940-0299) to the selected port on the computer and to the configuration port at the Network Management Card.
3.) Run a terminal program (such as HyperTerminal®) and configure the selected port for 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control.
4.) Press ENTER, repeatedly if necessary, to display the User Name prompt. If you are unable to display the User Name prompt, verify the following:
- The serial port is not in use by another application.
- SCROLL LOCK is off/disabled.
- The terminal settings are correct as specified in step 3.
- The correct cable is being used as specified in step 2.
5.) Press the Reset button once (please note, sometimes aligning a paper clip or similar to the pinhole reset button can be difficult. It is suggested to hold the paper clip or similar device towards the top of the reset button hole and press gently until the alignment is made). Wait 5-7 seconds (the Status LED will be off while you wait) and then after that period of time, the Status LED will flash rapidly while alternating between orange and green. Press the Reset button a second time immediately while the LED is rapidly flashing - which will cause the LED to then go off - in order to reset the User Name and Password to their defaults temporarily (the default User Name and password are both apc).
6.) Press ENTER, repeatedly if necessary, to display the User Name prompt again, then use the default, apc, for the User Name and password. (If you take longer than 30 seconds to log on after the User Name prompt is redisplayed, you must repeat step 5 and log on again.)
7a.) For v5.X.X firmware only: At the Command Line Interface, use the following commands to change the User Name and Password settings, both of which are now temporarily apc:
user -an yourAdministratorName
user -ap yourAdministratorPassword
For example, to change the Administrator user name to Admin, type:
user -an Admin
7b.) For v6.X.X firmware only:At the Command Line Interface, use the following commands to change the Password setting for the Super User account, for which the username is always apc, and the password is now temporarily apc:
user -n apc -pw yourNewSuperUserPassword
For example, to change the Super User's password to p@ssword, type:
user -n apc -pw p@ssword
Secondly, the Super User account can be disabled for security reasons. In addition to possibly needing to reset its password, you may need to re-enable the account if no other administrative access is available or known. To do that, type:
user -n apc -e enable
Because the Super User can also reset the password for any account, you can reset other user's passwords as well. For example, to change the password for user upsadmin too, type:
user -n upsadmin -pw p@ssword
NOTE:Per the v6.X.X's firmware User Guide, please note that changing user name information is no longer supported via the Command Line Interface. If a user's user name needs to be changed, it must be deleted and re-created. The Super User will also have access now to log in and adjust any other user's password.
8.) Type quit or exit to log off, reconnect any serial cable you disconnected, and restart any service you disabled.
The following video explains the password reset procedure for Network Management Card 2 with firmware revisions of v6.X.X.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSzkHWVQfAo
Network Management Card 3 / Network Management Card for Easy UPS Procedure
NOTE: Resetting your NMC will reset the card to its default configuration.
If you forget your NMC’s password, you must use the Reset button on the NMC to wipe all configuration, including the password.
1.) Hold down the Reset button for 20-25 seconds, ensuring the Status LED is pulsing green during this time.
2.) When the Status LED change to amber or orange, release the Reset button to allow the NMC to complete its reboot process.
3.) After the NMC reboots, you must re-configure your NMC. For more information, see the NMC Installation Guide on the APC website.
NOTE: It is recommended you export the config.ini file after configuring your NMC to prevent loss of data in the event of a lost password.
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