How to Reboot or Reset a Cable or DSL Modem Properly

Broadband access to the Internet has finally become widespread in the marketplace. This doesn't mean that there are not still connection problems from time to time. Problems can arise from connectivity problems with your Internet provider, hardware conflicts with your computer or configuration problems with the hardware used in the whole process. The modem is the link between you and the Internet. Here's how to reset it when things go wrong.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Find the manual for your cable or DSL modem. Although the basics of these types of modems are the same it never hurts to have the manual available for the particular piece of hardware that you are going to be dealing with.
2. Look up what the procedure is to reset or reboot the modem. They will list what the procedure is for performing a reboot or reset of the modem.
3. Turn off the computer if you have no manual and need to perform a reboot or reset of the modem. It is best that the connection to your computer is severed before you change anything on your modem.
4. Look at the back of the modem. There should be a tiny button or hole in the back of the modem that will be labeled reset. Typically these button need to be pressed for a minimum of 10 seconds to reset the modem. This will reset the modem to factory defaults. You will need to reset options just as if it was a brand new modem being installed.
5. Press and hold the button down for one minute. This will make sure that it has a chance to reset. You will need a small pin to put through the hole. Usually you can straighten one leg of a paperclip and this will work for the tool you need. Just beneath the surface of the back of the modem there should be a small push button that you can depress with the paperclip.
6. Allow the modem to reset itself and then remove the power plug in the back of the modem. Keep the power off for at least one minute and then return the power plug to the back of the modem and wait for all the lights on the front of the modem to come back on and stop flashing.
7. Restart your computer and check that all the options are set correctly on your modem. You may need to call your Internet provider and check which settings need to be changed from the factory defaults. They can walk you through how to make these changes. After this, your connection should be back and you can reach the Internet.