How to Reset a Linksys Wireless-N

Wireless technology has made it possible to take your laptop, tablet or other device anywhere you want to go and still stay online. Using a Linksys wireless router can give you the freedom you need to work where you want. If your router is giving you trouble and you have tried everything, restoring the factory defaults may help clear the problem. There are two methods to reset the factory settings; you can either access the router's administration panel or employ a hard reset if you are locked out.

Administration Menu

Step 1

Navigate to your router's administration menu in a Web browser window. Enter "192.168.1.1" in your browser's address bar. Enter your administrative password to access the router settings. If you did not previously change the default password, enter "admin" in the password field and click "OK."

Step 2

Click the "Administration" tab in the top menu. Click "Factory Defaults" in the Administration menu.

Step 3

Click the "Restore Factory Defaults" button, then click "Yes" on the confirmation screen to reset your Linksys router to its factory settings.

Hard Reset Button

Step 1

Locate the reset button on the back of the router. The button is a small, recessed button located between the power supply jack and the Ethernet ports.

Step 2

Press the tip of a pen or the straightened end of a paperclip into the recessed area to press the reset button. Hold the button for five seconds.

Step 3

Release the button and watch the indicator lights on the front of the router. When all of the lights come back on, the router has been reset.

Tip

• The factory default password for the Linksys administration panel is "admin." You will need this password to access the control panel the first time after the router is reset.

Warning

• A factory reset clears all of the configuration information and returns the router to factory settings. Try all applicable troubleshooting options for any problems you are experiencing before resetting the router.

References

• Cisco: Linksys E1000 Wireless N Router User Guide
• Cisco: Linksys WRT160 Wireless N Router User Guide

About the Author

Joyce James is a former accounting professional with more than 10 years of experience in corporate finance and small business accounting. She has also worked in desktop support and network management. James' articles have appeared in various online publications.

Photo Credits

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