Adtran Erase File System

Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by

Below is the process to erase the file system on some Adtran network devices. If this process does not work, contact your supervisor for directions.

Tools:

• Panasonic laptop, used for consoling into network devices
• Console cable: Serial to Ethernet, light blue in color
• Laptop power supply
• PuTTY: a Terminal Emulator Software

Connecting to the device in “bootstrap” mode:

1. Connect a straight-through serial cable to the console port of the unit.
2. Configure a VT100 session (i.e. PuTTY ) using the following
settings: 9600 bps, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and no flow control.
3. Reboot the unit by removing the power. As the unit boots, you will be given the
opportunity to break into bootstrap mode by pressing the Esc key within 5 seconds. Press
Esc when prompted.

Clearing the contents of flash memory:

1. To clear the contents of flash memory, issue the following command from bootstrap:
bootstrap# erase file-system
This will erase all files in the file-system. Proceed? [y or n]
2. Type ‘y’ and press ‘Enter’. The flash memory will be erased (including the AOS image).