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How to Reset the Linksys WET11

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

On this page I will show you how to reset the Linksys WET11 router back to factory defaults.

Some of you may be confused about what a reset is. A reset is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them all to how they were when the router left the factory.

Warning: Resetting the router is a big step. All your personal data is lost. If you have tried other methods of fixing the problem you are having with the Linksys WET11 router then you make a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. These settings could include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi settings such as the network name and password.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed in the lifetime of this router? How about port forwards or IP address changes?

Other Linksys WET11 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WET11. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WET11

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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.

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Take a look at the image below. I have circled the reset button for you in red. Notice that this reset button is more of a pinhole. This is to avoid accidental resets.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WET11 router.

While the Linksys WET11 router is on take a sharp object such as a bent paperclip or ball point pen and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold the reset button down for the full 10 seconds you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Caution: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. If you do you may cause permanent damage to the router.

Remember a reset like the one described here is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed in the history of the router. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you continue.

Login to the Linksys WET11

Once the reset is complete, you will be required to login to your Linksys WET11 router by using the default login information. Here at setuprouter.com we have found this information and included it in our Login Guide for the Linksys WET11 router.

Tip: Unable to login with the defaults? Try resetting the router again, but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer to make sure that it resets properly.

Change Your Password

Next you should change the password for your router. This should be done as soon as possible, as the default password for your router is easy to guess. Try to make your new password 14-20 characters long. Check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide if you need any more helpful advice on making a secure password.

Tip: Worried about losing your password? Try writing it down on some paper and attaching it to the underside of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WET11

Finally it is time to begin re-configuring the router settings back to how you like them. Don't forget to also secure your wireless network by configuring the WiFi settings. To get started on this process, visit our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WET11.

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Linksys WET11 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WET11 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WET11. We also have the following guides for the same router: