Upgrading or downgrading software versions implications for passwords

When you update software from a version that does not support long passwords to a version that supports long passwords, the existing user names and passwords continue to be there and no further action is required.

Before downgrading to a software version that does not include this feature, use one of the following procedures:

Procedure

Reset the user name and/or password to be no more than 16 characters in length, without using any special characters, from the CLI command password.
1. Execute a CLI write memory command (required if the include-credentials feature has ever been enabled.)
```
switch(config)# password manager 
New password: ******** 
Please retype new password: ******* 
switch(config)# write mem
```
Or
Execute the CLI command [no] password all. This clears all the passwords.
1. Execute a CLI write memory command (required if the include-credentials feature has ever been enabled.)
```
switch(config)# no password all
Password protections will be deleted, do you want to
continue [y/n]? y
switch(config)# write mem
```
Or
Clear the password by using the [Clear] button on the switch.
1. Execute a CLI write memory command (required if the include-credentials feature has ever been enabled.)