On this page I am going to show you how to reset the Dlink DWL-P1012 switch back to the original factory defaults. Before I do this however I need to explain the difference between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot something you cycle the power to the device. When you reset a device you take all the previously changed settings and return them all to how they were when they left the factory.
Warning: Resetting this switch is a big step and shouldn't be taken lightly. Consider the following before you continue.
- The device's main access username and password are erased and replaced with the original factory defaults.
- If you have made any other personal changes to this device they are erased. Write them down so you can reconfigure them after the reset is complete.
Other Dlink DWL-P1012 Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-P1012. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Reset the Dlink DWL-P1012
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.
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.
Begin by finding the reset button on the outside of the unit. For this particular unit it can be found on the back panel. Take a look at the image below for a more exact location.
While the device is on, take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This starts the reset process. If you don't hold this button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the device instead of resetting it.
Remember this reset is going to erase every setting you have ever changed on this device. To avoid this you need to try other methods of troubleshooting before continuing.
Login to the Dlink DWL-P1012
Once the reset is done you should login using the default values. We have these for you in our Login Guide for this device.
Tip: If the defaults didn't work it's possible the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.
Change Your Password
It is now time to change the default password you just used to access the interface. This password protects the switch's settings. We have a guide to help you make a good password that is easily remembered. Take a moment to check it out here in the Choosing a Strong Password guide.
Tip: One way to avoid losing this new password is to write it down on a piece of paper and attach it to the bottom of the device.
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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-P1012 Help
Be sure to check out our other Dlink DWL-P1012 info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-P1012. We also have the following guides for the same router: