Contents
Introduction
The Cisco page on terminal break shows a lot of break sequences. The break sequence for “screen” is to use Ctrl-A and then Ctrl-B. The Ctrl-A shifts the focus back to the screen process (away from the serial console) and the Ctrl-B issues the break sequence. You may need to break more than once. This is done by Ctrl-A, Ctrl-B, Ctrl-B, Ctrl-B.
This document provides standard break key sequence combinations for the most common operating systems, and some tips on how to troubleshoot problems.
The Electronic Industries Association RS-232 logic level uses +3 to +25 volts to signify a Space (Logic 0) and -3 to -25 volts for a Mark (logic 1). A break signal is when the data line remains in the space condition for a specified duration, usually 100 ms to ½ second. All characters begin with a start bit and end with a stop bit (and also a parity bit or two). The level condition of the start and stop bits is always opposite. So, no character combination can look like the break signal. A break signal enables you to access a ROM Monitor on Cisco IOS® devices when a password recovery is necessary.
Most games tend to dictate the order of events the story goes in. This series breaks outside the scripted path to see what happens next! Boundary Break Episo. I just bought my Pavilion and I also cannot find the break key in order to get out of full screen mode of remote desk top. CTL + ALT + ESC. CTL + ALT + FN + ESC. CTL + ALT + PAUSE (pause is the shift function on the shift key. Kind of wierd) CTL + ALT + FN + PAUSE. CTL + ALT + FN + INS. I've also tried with just the right CTL. The interactionOperator break designates that the CombinedFragment represents a breaking scenario in the sense that the operand is a scenario that is performed instead of the remainder of the enclosing InteractionFragment. A break operator with a guard is chosen when the guard is true and the rest of the enclosing Interaction Fragment is ignored.
Prerequisites
Requirements
There are no specific requirements for this document.
Components Used
This document is not restricted to specific software and hardware versions.
The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, make sure that you understand the potential impact of any command.
Conventions
Refer to Cisco Technical Tips Conventions for more information on document conventions.
Standard Break Key Combinations
Software | Platform | Operating System | Try This |
---|---|---|---|
Hyperterminal | IBM Compatible | Windows XP | Ctrl-Break |
Hyperterminal | IBM Compatible | Windows 2000 | Ctrl-Break |
Hyperterminal | IBM Compatible | Windows 98 | Ctrl-Break |
Hyperterminal (version 595160) | IBM Compatible | Windows 95 | Ctrl-F6-Break |
Kermit | Sun Workstation | UNIX | Ctrl-l |
Ctrl-b | |||
MicroPhone Pro | IBM Compatible | Windows | Ctrl-Break |
Minicom | IBM Compatible | Linux | Ctrl-a f |
ProComm Plus | IBM Compatible | DOS or Windows | Alt-b |
SecureCRT | IBM Compatible | Windows | Ctrl-Break |
Telix | IBM Compatible | DOS | Ctrl-End |
Telnet | N/A | N/A | Ctrl-], then type send brk |
Telnet to Cisco | IBM Compatible | N/A | Ctrl-] |
Teraterm | IBM Compatible | Windows | Alt-b |
Terminal | IBM Compatible | Windows | Break |
Ctrl-Break | |||
Tip | Sun Workstation | UNIX | Ctrl-], then Break or Ctrl-c |
~# | |||
VT 100 Emulation | Data General | N/A | F16 |
Windows NT | IBM Compatible | Windows | Break-F5 |
Shift-F5 | |||
Shift-6 Shift-4 Shift-b (^$B) | |||
Z-TERMINAL | Mac | Apple | Command-b |
N/A | Break-Out Box | N/A | Connect pin 2 (X-mit) to +V for half a second |
Cisco to aux port | N/A | Control-Shft-6, then b | |
IBM Compatible | N/A | Ctrl-Break |
Tips to Troubleshoot
- Problems that you encounter during password recovery often occur because you are not sure about what the break key sequence is for the (non-Cisco) software you use. For software not listed in the table, and for additional information, refer to the documentation of the individual software packages.
- The auxiliary (AUX) port is not active during the boot sequence of a router. Therefore, it is no use if you send a break through the AUX port. You need to have connection to the console port, and have these settings:9600 baud rateNo parity8 data bits1 stop bitNo flow control
- Some versions of Windows NT have hyperterminal software that cannot send the correct break key signal. Refer to http://www.hilgraeve.com/hyperterminal.html for more information and for an upgrade of the hyperterminal software.
- In some cases, the break sequence might not get transmitted properly when using a USB/Serial converter cable. In such cases, use a keyboard with a different connector port (for example, a PS/2).
How to Simulate a Break Key Sequence
Break key sequence simulation is useful if your terminal emulator does not support the break key, or if a bug does not allow your terminal emulator to send the correct signal.
Note: The hyperterminal under Windows NT had this behavior in the past.
Complete these steps to simulate a break key sequence:
- Connect to the router with these terminal settings:1200 baud rateNo parity8 data bits1 stop bitNo flow controlYou no longer see any output on your screen, and this is normal.
- Power cycle (switch off and then on) the router and press the SPACEBAR for 10-15 seconds in order to generate a signal similar to the break sequence.
- Disconnect your terminal, and reconnect with a 9600 baud rate. You enter the ROM Monitor mode.
If all these methods fail to properly send a break, retry the procedures from a different terminal or PC platform.
Related Information
In a previous post Serial Console on OS X I wrote about how to connect a USB-Serial converter to console into Cisco router and use the ‘screen’ command.
Hollow Knight Sequence Break
To perform a password recovery on a Cisco router you need to issue a “terminal break” character to interrupt the boot process. The Cisco page on terminal break shows a lot of break sequences.
Sequence Break Trailer
The break sequence for “screen” is to use Ctrl-A and then Ctrl-B. The Ctrl-A shifts the focus back to the screen process (away from the serial console) and the Ctrl-B issues the break sequence.
Break Sequence Securecrt
You may need to break more than once. This is done by Ctrl-A, Ctrl-B, Ctrl-B, Ctrl-B.