Passwords implications when upgrading or downgrading software versions

When you update software from a version that does not support long passwords to a version that does support long passwords, the existing usernames 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 username and/or password to be no more than 16 characters in length, without using any special characters, from the CLI command password. 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
```
Execute the CLI command no password all. This clears all the passwords. 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
```
Clear the password by using the Clear button on the switch. Execute a CLI write memory command (required if the include-credentials feature has ever been enabled.)