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Factory-default configuration

As explained in Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 1 Fundamentals and Protocols

A factory-default configuration is the baseline device configuration supplied after configuration settings are removed or reset.

A factory-default configuration is the original device state supplied before configuration changes. A device uses it when no startup-config file exists, such as after a first boot or after startup-config is erased. section 5.3

Cisco IOS separates current and saved settings: running-config in RAM controls present operation, while startup-config in NVRAM loads during boot. Unsaved changes disappear after a restart. section 5.3 section 5.5

Use these privileged EXEC commands to restore the baseline:

  • Erase startup-config with write erase, erase nvram:, or erase startup-config. section 5.3
  • Restart with reload so the device boots without a saved configuration. section 5.3

How Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 1 Fundamentals and Protocols covers it

How deep it goes
Explains configuration-file roles, RAM and NVRAM storage, saving, erasing, and reloading, without descending into device internals.
Examples
Uses first boot, unsaved changes, startup-config deletion commands, and reload as practical reset scenarios.
What it assumes
Requires privileged EXEC mode for configuration-file deletion and device reloading.
What you can do after
Operate Cisco IOS devices by identifying unsaved configuration and restoring factory defaults with erase and reload commands.
How it connects
Links factory-default configuration to startup-config, running-config, NVRAM, RAM, privileged EXEC mode, and reload.
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