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How to Reset the Dlink DWL-2200AP

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 4 minutes

On this page we will be showing you how to reset the Dlink DWL-2200AP router back to it's original factory defaults. The main reason someone would want to do this is because they have forgotten their router's access username and password.

Before we start I need to make sure you know the difference between a reset and a reboot. When I use the word reboot I am referring to a full cycle in the power to the device. Unplug the rotuer, wait a full 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This cycles the power or reboots the router. When I use the word reset I am referring to a complete factory restore of all settings. This means every setting you have ever changed on this device since you bought it will be erased and reverted back to how it was the day you bought it.

Warning: A reset is a big step and we highly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you consider a reset. Problems arise when you don't know what settings are changed and what ones are not. Consider the following:

  • The router's main username and password are erased and replaced with the factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password are reverted back to how they were from the factory.
  • If you use a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. If you don't re-enter these you won't be allowed on the Internet by your ISP. Call your local ISP for these details.
  • Make a list of any other settings you have changed such as a port forward or an IP address change. These all need to reconfigured after the reset is complete.

Other Dlink DWL-2200AP Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-2200AP. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DWL-2200AP

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.

Once you have decided to reset the Dlink DWL-2200AP router you need to find the reset button. This particular router has it's reset button located on the back panel. See image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DWL-2200AP router.

While the router is on take a straight paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 5 seconds before you release it. If you don't hold the reset button down for the entire amount of time you run the risk of simply rebooting the router instead of resetting it. This can be confusing when you go to login and the defaults don't work.

Remember a reset like the one you are planning on doing is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed on your device. Try and avoid this by exhausting your other troubleshooting options first.

Login to the Dlink DWL-2200AP

Following that you'll need to log into your Dlink DWL-2200AP router. Do this by using the factory default username and password provided for your use in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not working for you? It could be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

Now that you've logged into your router we recommend setting a new password for it. This can be whatever you like, however bear in mind that a strong password is 14-20 characters in length and contains no personal information. For more help take a look at our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

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

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWL-2200AP

Once you have successfully changed your router's password and know you won't lose it again, you can begin the reconfiguration process. This should begin with securing you local network. We have an easy to follow guide titled How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWL-2200AP for you to use.

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Dlink DWL-2200AP Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DWL-2200AP info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-2200AP. We also have the following guides for the same router: