On this page I will be showing you how to properly reset the Dlink DIR-842 router back to factory defaults.
This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you simply cycle the power to the unit. No settings are changed in this reboot. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them to factory defaults. This changes every setting you have ever changed in the past.
Warning: All your personal data is lost. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you begin. It is also a good idea to make a list of all the settings you may of changed in the past. The following is a partial list of the settings that will be reverted back to how they were out of the factory:
- The router's main username and password.
- The WiFi settings such as the SSID and Security Mode.
- Is this a DSL router? If so, don't forget the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. If you don't know these values you need to call your local provider.
- Any settings such as port forwards, IP addresses or even parental controls.
Other Dlink DIR-842 Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-842 1.02. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Reset the Dlink DIR-842
Use a VPN
Have you considered using a VPN when you connect to the internet? A VPN is a great way to increase your security and anonymity while surfing.
We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes securely sharing your home network super simple. With NordVPN Meshnet, you can connect to your devices from anywhere in the world, completely secure, over a highly encrypted VPN tunnel.
When shopping for a VPN, make sure that they meet the following criteria:
- Your VPN provider should have a no-logs policy. This means that they do not keep any logs of any kind.
- Make sure that your VPN provider has lots of exit nodes all around the world.
- Check that your VPN will not affect your speed.
- Verify that your VPN provider uses WireGuard as the underlying protocol.
- Many people prefer a VPN provider that is not based in the United States.
This is the list of requirements that we used when we were shopping around for a VPN provider. There are lots of free, shady VPN providers out there that we looked at and dismissed.
Based in Panama, using diskless servers, and with over 6,100 servers in 61 countries, we can safely say that NordVPN satisfies all of these requirements.
Once you've set up your NordVPN account on multiple computers and enabled Meshnet, you can seamlessly access all of your devices as if they were on the same network. You don't even have to log in to your router. It's very simple.
Every time you click on one of our affiliate links, such as NordVPN, we get a little kickback for introducing you to the service. Think of us as your VPN wingman.
As you can see from the image below the reset button is also the WPS button. I have circled the reset button for you in red.
The first step is to make sure the router is plugged in and powered on. Then take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for a minimum of 8 seconds. If you don't hold the reset button down for the full 8 seconds you will initiate the WPS function. For more information on that check out our What is WPS guide.
Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. Doing so can cause permanent damage to the router.
Remember this reset is erasing every single setting you have ever changed in the past. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset the Dlink DIR-842 router.
Login to the Dlink DIR-842
Now that the Dlink DIR-842 router has been reset you will need to login to it by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, password, and username. This information can be found in our Login Guide for the Dlink DIR-842 router. Be sure to check it out if you need help logging into your router.
Tip: Unable to login with the defaults? Try resetting the router again.This time make sure that you hold down the reset button for a little longer to make sure that it properly resets.
Change Your Password
The next step is to change the router's password from the default to a more secure one. Try to make your new password unique, be 14-20 characters long, and contain no personal information. If you need additional advice on making a password then check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.
Tip: Keep from losing your password by writing it down on a piece of paper and attaching it to the underside of the router.
Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-842
Finally it is time to start re-configuring the router's settings back to how you want them. Make sure that you don't forget to also configure the WiFi settings. Need help with this process? Follow our Dlink DIR-842 WiFi Instructions to get started on securing your wireless network.
Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.
You might notice that most of our site doesn't have ads on it. This is because we use partnerships with companies like NordVPN to keep the site running. Thank you for supporting us by using our referral links.
Dlink DIR-842 Help
Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-842 info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-842 1.02. We also have the following guides for the same router: