Reset buttons in modems, routers and access points
Did you know that in every MikroTik device – including modems, routers, and access points – there is a reset button, allowing you to set the device configuration back to factory settings?
It happens to the best of us: You’re setting up a device, it’s not going well, and finally you decide it’d be better just to start over. Now you can.
Here’s how to do it:
Loading the backup RouterBOOT loader:
This might be necessary if the device isn’t working because of a failed RouterBOOT upgrade.
Hold the power button before turning on the power, and keep holding it down for 3 seconds after turning the power on. This will load the backup BOOT loader.
When you’ve started the device with the backup loader, you can either set RouterOS to force backup loader in the RouterBOARD settings, or reinstall the failed RouterBOOT from an fwf file.
Resetting the RouterOS configuration
Continue holding the button for 2 more seconds (so a total of 5 seconds) until the LED light starts flashing, then release. This will reset the RouterOS configuration.
Enabling CAPs mode
To connect the device to a wireless network managed by CAPsMAN, continue holding the button for 5 more seconds (making a total of 10 seconds) until the LED light stops blinking. Release the button to turn on CAPs mode.
Starting the RouterBOARD in Netinstall mode
Continue holding the power button for another 5 seconds (so a total of 15 seconds) until the LED light turns off, then release the button. This will make the RouterBOARD look for Netinstall servers. Alternatively, keep the button pressed until the device shows up in the Netinstall program on Windows.
Secret link to more about manual resets:
This link, on the MikroTik site, isn’t listed and virtually impossible to find if you don’t know how to search for it.
You’re welcome.
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