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How to Reset the Dlink DWL-7100AP

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

On this page we will show you how to reset the Dlink DWL-7100AP router back to factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot something you end up only cycling the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults. This means every single setting you have ever changed is erased and reverted back to how it was from the factory.

Warning: This reset should not be taken lightly. A factory reset could potentially erase a lot of data. We recommend making a list of all the settings you have ever changed in the lifetime of this device. The following list will help you create that list:

  • The main router username and password are erased and returned to factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password are erased and reverted back to how they were when they came from the factory.
  • 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.
  • Have you made any other changes to this device? If you have made any port forwards or IP address changes you should write these down.

Other Dlink DWL-7100AP Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-7100AP. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DWL-7100AP

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.

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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.

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.

Now that you have made your list of settings to reconfigure after the reset you need to locate the reset button on the outside of the device. I have found an image of the device for you and circled the reset button in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DWL-7100AP router.

While the router is on and plugged in, take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down for the entire amount of time you end up only rebooting the device instead of resetting like you wanted.

Please remember this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed on this device. If you want to try and avoid this loss you should try other troubleshooting methods first.

Login to the Dlink DWL-7100AP

Once you've successfully reset the Dlink DWL-7100AP router you'll want to log into it. This is done by using the factory default username and password. Don't know where to get 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

Now that you've logged into your router we recommend setting a new password for it. Remember that this password will only protect your router settings, not your wireless network. All the same, 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: Keep yourself from losing your new password by writing it on a slip of paper and taping it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWL-7100AP

You should now begin to reconfigure the router back to how you had it before you reset it. We suggest beginning with the WiFi settings. A secure network is an essential part of your security. To create a secure network check out our easy to read guide titled How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWL-7100AP.

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Dlink DWL-7100AP Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DWL-7100AP info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-7100AP. We also have the following guides for the same router: