How to Reset a Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter to Factory Settings

Occasionally, a Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter must be reset to the original factory settings. This might be because you had an unexpected power surge that caused your settings to be scrambled, it might be due to having forgotten your password, or it could be a program conflict. No matter what the reason, the reset process is the same.

Things You'll Need

• Toothpick

Instructions

1. Turn the back of the router so that it is facing you. Look for a red button labeled “Reset" next to the Internet cable port. Using the tip of a toothpick, press and hold the “Reset” button for 30 seconds.

2. Release the button when you see the light on the back blink, then unplug the power cable for five seconds.

3. Plug the power cable in. You should now be operating under the default factory settings. If this has not worked, move on to the next step.

4. Access your Web browser and type "192.168.1.1" (without quotes). This is the IP address of the Linksys router.

5. Input your User ID and password when prompted. If you have not changed your User ID and password, the default setting has no User ID and the password is “admin.”

6. Click on the tab labeled “Administration,” and go to the tab labeled “Factory Defaults.” Click “Yes” next to “Restore Factory Defaults.”

7. Click “OK” when a confirmation window prompt asks if you are sure if you want to return the router to the original default setting. Click the “Save Settings” button located at the bottom of the page to reset the router.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are in the Web browser router settings, do not change anything other than what has been outlined. Making further changes to the browser can result in software and hardware malfunction.

References

• Technically Easy: How to Reset Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
• Linksys Customer Help: Resetting the Linksys Router to Factory Default
• Cisco: Resetting the Linksys Router to Factory Default