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How to Reset the Linksys WRE54G

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

On this page I will be explaining how to reset the Linksys WRE54G router back to factory defaults. This reset is done if you are having extreme problems with your router. The most common reason for needing to reset the Linksys WRE54G router is being unable to access the router's interface pages.

What exactly is a reset? There is quite a bit of confusion on the topic. Does she mean rebooting or restoring the settings to factory. In this guide when I use the term reset I am referring it a full factory restore of all the default settings. When I use the term reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power to the unit. No settings are changed when you reboot a router.

Warning: Resetting this router means you lose all your personal data. I strongly recommend making a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. These settings likely include:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router's setup pages.
  • The WiFi settings such as the SSID, encryption and Internet password.
  • Are you resetting a DSL router? If you are you probably need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. To know what these are you need to call your local provider.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? Have you forwarded any ports or changed any IP addresses?

Other Linksys WRE54G Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRE54G. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRE54G

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.

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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.

In the image below you can see the reset button on the side-panel. I have circled it for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRE54G router.

While the router is on take a small object such as a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This starts the reset process. A lot of router manufacturers use the reset button to reboot the router as well. If you don't hold the reset button down long enough you are likely to simply reboot the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Caution: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the router?

Remember this type of reset erases all your personal data. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset the Linksys WRE54G router.

Login to the Linksys WRE54G

Upon resetting your Linksys WRE54G router you will need to login to it by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, password, and username. This information has been found and included in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRE54G router.

Tip: Defaults not working? You might have accidentally rebooted the router instead of resetting it. Try resetting it again but hold down the reset button for a little longer this time.

Change Your Password

Be sure to change the router's password from the default as soon as possible. Doing so will help increase the security of your router. Try to make your new password 14-20 characters long and have it contain no personal information. Visit our Choosing a Strong Password if you need any additional help with making a password.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRE54G

As you begin reconfiguring the router's settings to how you want them do not forget to also configure the WiFi settings. To easily get started on securing your wireless network check out our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRE54G router.

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NordVPN faster than ever deal!

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Linksys WRE54G Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRE54G info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRE54G. We also have the following guides for the same router: