Need to reset your Cisco Catalyst 4500X  back to the factory default settings? Have you forgotten your password? Follow the steps below.

Note: that I am assuming that you have already established a console connection to the switch using a Cisco serial cable (rollover cable).

Interrupt the boot sequence with Ctrl-C within the first 5 seconds after power on. This will allow you to enter the “ROM” aka ROM Monitor.

Configure the switch to boot-up without reading the configuration memory (NVRAM).

You will then see the following options below. Select as shown.

Clear the config as shown below

Now boot the switch with the boot command

Reference

1. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/switches/catalyst-4500-series-switches/116436-technote-product-00.html
2. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/switches/catalyst-4000-series-switches/21229-pswdrec-cat4000-supiii-21229.html