Missing Installer Password and "Zeroing" a MICS

[startech123]

I have a MICS that I cannot find the Installer password for. The only password available is the system administrator password. At this time, I need to add some Lines to an existing Line Pool, and can't do it due to password/programming limitations. So I really need to do something about this situation.

It's starting to look like the best/easiest option is going to be to "zero" the system and then re-program it. However, before I do that, I wanted to verify something: when I log in using the system administrator password, the INSTALLER password isn't visible in the PASSWORDS section. That makes sense to me, given that you would not want a limited access password to be able to "see" or "change" a higher level password. However, I have never specifically checked this before, so I wanted to insure I understood the password hierarchy correctly, and that I'm not missing a simpler solution to the problem.

As a second issue.... if I do end up having to reset and re-program the system, what is the best way to do this. If I recall correctly, I can't do a STARTUP without the INSTALLER password. So, should I try shorting the cap on the motherboard, or should I (do I need to) replace the NVRAM module. The system is running 7.0 software. Will I need to replace that also? I don't think so, but the only dumb question etc etc. Thanks in advance for any and all assistance.

 

[number1telecom]

Have you tried guessing at the installer password at all? I know it's a long shot but I have done it before. 12345678 or phone1 .. simple stuff like that. I've somehow guessed a couple times in the past.

For shorting out the cap, you do not need to replace the NVRam.

http://www.number1telecom.com

 

[startech123]

Thank you for the response. Yes... I tried a lot of password combinations, but I don't think I'm going to have any luck with that approach. As for shorting the cap, I tried this a couple of years ago, but I couldn't get it to work. Actually, I tried it three or four times. I must have done something wrong, but I don't know what it was. Here's what I remember:
1. I powered the system down
2. I removed all the cards: I don't remember if I removed the NVRAM module and Flash Card or not
3. I opened the chassis and shorted the cap for a couple of minutes
4. I put everything back together again, and turned the system on.
At that point, I still could not do a STARTUP (the Installer password would not work) and the programming was the same as before.

Having never specifically asked before: When you short the cap, you're obviously draining it, but where does the system programming memory reside? On the NVRAM?

 

[curlycord]

One method is listed in our FAQ's, click on it and look for it.
If still an issue contact me as passwords not allowed here.


________________________________________
We take the time to try to answer your questions for free, please return the favor and take the time to answer back and include any resolution you found elsewhere, thanks.

=----(((((((((()----=

http://www.curlycord.com

Toronto Canada

http://www.telcopc.ca

 

[number1telecom]

I've never experienced what you're saying and I have shorted out 100's if not 1000's of capacitors on these systems.

Like you said, remove all cards and NVRam/Software.. Take apart cabinet.. short out capacitor (I use a flat head screwdriver, and typically leave it for a minute or so to be safe although it shouldn't even need to be that long).

There is a capacitor in the NVRam you could do as well to be safe although I have personally not found that necessary.

http://www.number1telecom.com

 

[startech123]

My thanks to curlycord and number1telecom for your replies on this thread. It may be a while before I can get back to this issue, but when I [do] finally get it resolved, I'll let you know the what/when/where/why and how of it.... or something like that. On a more serious note, please let me say that while most (if not all) of the issues you guys respond to are probably "old hat" to you, they are confusing and very real to less experienced guys like myself. I'm sure that I speak for others as well as myself, when I say that I sincerely appreciate your advice, suggestions, and guidance. Again, THANK YOU.

 

[Firebird Scrambler]

I also did an FAQ on Norstar passwords in the FAQ section as the UK versions had different HEX addresses.

When I used the find them on newer versions, I used to refer to an old address and scroll through them using the forward button and write them down.

I only took notice of certain number formations such as..

----------------
| 2. MEMORY DUMP | This section is where you can find out the
---------------- password access codes for "CONFIG" & "ADMIN"
Note!
The address is usually 6 Digits long & it is in "hex" code.
The "CONFIG" password is listed first on the display, Read every Second digit to obtain the first Four numbers (All other numbers should read Zero).
Press the "NEXT" key to list out the last Two numbers.
The "ADMIN" password is shown next on the display with "SCPLUS" for Compact +.
(Two numbers are shown & keying "NEXT" will list out the last Four digits to complete the "ADMIN" password).

For example hex address 3E040A (Norstar Compact 1A) will show....
3E040A: 0?0? 0?0?
Which means password ? ? ? ? (Is the first Four digits of the password)
If an "F" appears instead of a number, Then please ignore it.
This is because the memory hex location code is spare. In other words, The password is less than Six digits long!.
The password can also be found on unknown versions by entering a known hex address for a previous version & scrolling up / down using the
"BACK" & "NEXT" keys until the password appear on the screen.

2. MEMORY DUMP
|
| ( SHOW = --> NEXT = --- )
V
ADDRESS:_
(Key the Hash "#" button to advance to the next digit)
(Press the "NEXT" button when the Sixth digit has been entered)



Firebird Scrambler
Nortel and Avaya Meridian 1 / Succession and BCM / Norstar Programmer

Very advance high level knowledge on the Linux BCM phone system.

Website

http://somertel.com

 

[startech123]

Thanks to the FAQ(s) posted by the responders, along with some very helpful assistance by one of my users, I finally found the missing password Friday. Once I had the password, it took less than 10 minutes to make the required programming changes. However, I would point out to anyone following this thread that if you plan to use DEBUG, be careful to check out all the FAQS. I read some of them [the FAQS] that were confusing or maybe even incomplete. So if you have problems getting DEBUG to work, keep checking the FAQS and be assured that it does still work. Again, thanks to all for your assistance.