Overview

Readers will learn how to reset an EdgeRouter to factory defaults.

Table of Contents

1. Hardware and Software Reset Methods
2. Performing a Hardware Reset
3. Performing a Software Reset
4. Related Articles

Hardware and Software Reset Methods

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The EdgeRouter can be reset to factory defaults using either a hardware or software reset method:

• Hardware Reset Clears all configuration and system files, resetting the device to the factory default state.
• Software Reset Only clears the configuration and leaves the other system files intact.

The hardware reset is done using the physical reset button and can be done using either method below:

• Runtime Reset Factory reset while the device is running/operational.
• Power On Reset Factory reset while powering on the device by plugging in the power cable.

Using the physical reset button on the front of the device. See your EdgeRouter model Quick Start Guide for the exact location of the reset button. 

Performing a Hardware Reset

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To perform a Runtime Reset, follow the steps below:

1. Verify that the EdgeRouter is fully booted.

On newer EdgeRouter models such as the ER-6P and ER-12, the system status is indicated by either of the following LED statuses:

• Steady blue Operational and connected to UNMS.
• Steady white Operational, but not configured to connect to UNMS.
• Occasional flashing blue Operational, but unable to connect to UNMS. 

2. Press and hold the reset button.

3. The port LEDs will start light up in sequence starting from port 1 and ending at the last port.

4. Continue holding the reset button for approximately 10 seconds until the LED on port 1 lights up again.

5. Release the reset button.

6. The EdgeRouter will reboot.

7. Wait for the reboot to complete.

8. Connect to the eth0 port and manage the device by opening a browser and navigating to the https://192.168.1.1 default IP address.

To perform a Power On Reset, follow the steps below:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the EdgeRouter.

2. While reconnecting the power cord to the EdgeRouter, press and hold the reset button.

3. The port LEDs will start light up in sequence starting from port 1 and ending at the last port.

4. Continue holding the reset button for approximately 10 seconds until the LED on port 1 lights up again.

5. Release the reset button.

6. The EdgeRouter will reboot.

7. Wait for the reboot to complete.

8. Connect to the eth0 port and manage the device by opening a browser and navigating to the https://192.168.1.1 default IP address.

Performing a Software Reset

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The steps below will clear the startup/boot configuration (config.boot) file.

1. Navigate to the System tab in the bottom-left of the Web UI.

2. Reset the configuration to defaults by pressing the Reset to Default button in the Reset Config to Default section.

3. The EdgeRouter will prompt for a device reboot to complete the reset.

4. Wait for the reboot to complete.

5. Connect to the eth0 port and manage the device by opening a browser and navigating to the https://192.168.1.1 default IP address.

The above steps can also be performed using the CLI:

1. Overwrite the current startup (config.boot) file with the default startup file (config.boot.default).

sudo cp /opt/vyatta/etc/config.boot.default /config/config.boot

2. Reboot the EdgeRouter.

reboot 
Proceed with reboot? [confirm]

3. Wait for the reboot to complete.

4. Connect to the eth0 port and manage the device by opening a browser and navigating to the https://192.168.1.1 default IP address.

Related Articles

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EdgeRouter - Device LED Statuses

EdgeRouter - How to Update the Bootloader

EdgeRouter - Connect to Serial Console

EdgeRouter - Backup and Restore Configuration

EdgeRouter - TFTP Recovery

Intro to Networking - How to Establish a Connection Using SSH