config-register 0x2142 vs 0x2102

** If I need just to recover the password , which one should I use?
**IF I need to completely wipe out the configuration in the router which one should I use ?

2142 is used for a password recovery or to wipe out the config if you do not have the password for the device.

I did the Show version and saw 0x2102

I typed Write Erase
reload
Did not save changes

It wiped out the configuration.

I wonder what Saving Changes or Not Saving changes means, Since Write Erase is the only change that has happened since the last reload and I selected No for the save.

I think you might have typed "erase startup" not "write erase"

"erase startup" would delete the startup config, when it asked you is you wanted to save changes, that would have done a "write memory" and write the running config to the startup config.

as you did not do this, when you rebooted, there was no startup config in place.

@donjohnston and that'll teach me to start posting on here before I've had my breakfast...

Thanks

I'm confused...the question was

'Any expert out there to tell me the difference :
config-register 0x2142 vs 0x2102

** If I need just to recover the password , which one should I use?
**IF I need to completely wipe out the configuration in the router which one should I use?'

Which I answered(and actually ArneLovius did as well) before DonJohnston did(again not taking away from their answers)

How is the Accepted Answer awarded to DonJohnston then?