How to Reset the Dlink DWL-2000APv3

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 3 minutes

On this page we will be showing you how to properly reset the Dlink DWL-2000APv3 back to factory defaults. It is important that you understand a reset like this one is not a reboot. When you reboot a router you are simply cycling the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them all to how they were originally from the factory.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and shouldn't be taken lightly. We recommend creating a list of settings you know of that have been changed. This could only be a couple settings or it could be a great deal of settings you have changed. Some of the settings you may need to consider are:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router's user interface.
  • The Internet name and password.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. You'll need to call your local ISP for the details.
  • Anything else you have ever changed such as port forwards or IP addresses are all erased. These need to be reconfigured after the reset is complete.

Other Dlink DWL-2000APv3 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-2000APv3. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DWL-2000APv3

Use a VPN Instead

Have you considered using a VPN instead of forwarding a port? For most users, a VPN is a much simpler and more secure choice than forwarding a port.

We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes forwarding a port no longer necessary for most applications. 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.

NordVPN is the fastest VPN!

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.

If you are still reading this you have probably decided that a reset is really what you want. Do you know where the reset button is? Take a look at the back panel of the router. The reset button is circled in the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DWL-2000APv3 router.

While the router is turned on, take a bent paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 5 seconds before releasing it. If you simply press and release the reset button you may only reboot the device instead of the reset you wanted.

Remember this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed on your device. We highly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset the Dlink DWL-2000APv3.

Login to the Dlink DWL-2000APv3

Now that you've reset the Dlink DWL-2000APv3 router you'll need to log into it. This is done by using the factory default username and password provided for your use in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not logging you in? Try holding the reset button down for longer.

Change Your Password

Once you've logged into your router we suggest setting a new password for it. This can be anything you like, however keep in mind that a strong password contains no personal information and is 14-20 characters in length. For more help check out our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Keep yourself from losing your new password by writing it on a note and taping it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWL-2000APv3

Now you need to start the reconfiguration process. Don't forget about the WiFi settings. For a great guide on securing your local home network check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWL-2000APv3.

Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.

NordVPN faster than ever deal!

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 DWL-2000APv3 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DWL-2000APv3 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-2000APv3. We also have the following guides for the same router: