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How to Reset the Dlink DWL-2100AP

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

In this guide I will be showing you how to correctly reset the Dlink DWL-2100AP router back to it's original factory defaults. A reset is not the same thing as a reboot. When I use the word reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power to the device. When I use the word reset I am referring to a complete factory restore of all settings. This means every single setting you have ever changed on this device is erased and reverted back to factory defaults.

Warning: This is a big step and shouldn't be taken lightly. Other troubleshooting methods should come first. If after exhausting other methods you still cannot access your router you may need to reset it. Some things you need to consider before continuing are:

  • The router's access username and password are erased and replaced with the original factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password are also erased and returned to how they were out of the factory.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password after the reset is complete. If you don't do this you will not have Internet capabilities. Call your ISP for the details.
  • Anything else you have ever changed on your device are erased and returned to factory defaults. This includes everything from a port forward to an IP address change.

Other Dlink DWL-2100AP Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-2100AP. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DWL-2100AP

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.

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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.

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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.

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The first step in any reset is to find the reset button. It's pretty easy for this router. Just turn the device around so you are looking at the back panel. The reset button is located there.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DWL-2100AP router.

Now, with the router turned on, take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 5 seconds before you release it. If you don't hold this button down for the full 5 seconds you may simply reboot the device instead of resetting like you wanted.

Warning: This reset erases every single setting you have ever changed. We strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue with this course of action.

Login to the Dlink DWL-2100AP

After you've successfully reset the Dlink DWL-2100AP router you'll want to log into it. This is done by using the default username and password. Not sure where you can find these? Not to worry. We have them listed for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults aren't logging you in it could be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

Once you've reset and logged into your router we recommend setting a new password for it. This can be whatever you like, however keep in mind that this password will only protect your router settings, not your wireless network. Still, setting a strong password is always a good idea. For help in doing so be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Avoid losing your new password by writing it on a sticky note and attaching it to the underside of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWL-2100AP

The last step is a big one. Time to reconfigure the router back to how you want it. You may want to take a look at our other guides to help you. We strongly recommend that you take a look at our wireless guide as it will help you setup a secure local network. Check it out here on our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWL-2100AP page.

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Dlink DWL-2100AP Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DWL-2100AP info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-2100AP. We also have the following guides for the same router: