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How to Reset the Linksys BEFSR41W

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

On this page I will show you how to properly reset the Linksys BEFSR41W router. A reset like the one I will be showing you here is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you are simply cycling the power to the unit. When you reset the router you are taking all the settings and returning them to how they were from the factory.

Warning: This type of reset is a big step, please make sure you understand what changes occur during this process. We recommend making a list of all the possible setting changes that will occur. These should include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The Internet information such as SSID, encryption, and wireless password.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. You'll have to call your local provider for this information.
  • All other settings such as IP addresses, DNS servers, or port forwards are also erased and need to be put in this list.

Other Linksys BEFSR41W Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys BEFSR41W. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys BEFSR41W

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Below is an image of the back panel of the Linksys BEFSR41W router. I have circled the reset button for you in red. Notice that this button is more like a pinhole.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys BEFSR41W router.

Step One: Press down on the reset button with a sharp object such as a straightened paperclip.

Step Two: Continue to hold the reset button down while you unplug the power from the router.

Step Three: Continue to hold the reset button down for three seconds.

Step Four: Plug the power back into the router.

Step Five: The "Diag" LED will flash twice on the front of the device. During the second flash, release the reset button.

If you don't hold the reset button down as outlined above you might simply reboot the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Remember this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. We strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue.

Login to the Linksys BEFSR41W

After you have finished resetting the Linksys BEFSR41W router you need to login using the default username and password. This information has already been gathered for you. Take a look at our Login Guide for this info.

Tip: Don't panic if the defaults didn't work. It is possible you only rebooted the router instead of reset it. Try again.

Change Your Password

The default password you just used is easy to guess. This makes it a terrible password. Create a new password using our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: One way to avoid losing this password is to write it down on a slip of paper and attach it to the bottom of the router for future reference.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys BEFSR41W

When you start the reconfiguration process don't forget to secure your wireless network. To do this easily follow our Linksys BEFSR41W WiFi Instructions.

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Linksys BEFSR41W Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys BEFSR41W info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys BEFSR41W. We also have the following guides for the same router: