Resetting Your Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD: A Quick Guide

Hey guys! Ever find yourself locked out of your Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD router or just need to start fresh? Don't worry, resetting it is a piece of cake. In this guide, I'll walk you through the simple steps to get your router back to its factory settings. So, let's dive right in!

Why Reset Your Mikrotik Router?

Before we get started, let's quickly touch on why you might want to reset your Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD in the first place. There are several common scenarios where a reset can be a lifesaver:

Forgotten Password: We've all been there. You set a complex password, pat yourself on the back for being secure, and then completely forget it a few weeks later. A reset will wipe the password and allow you to start over.
Configuration Issues: Maybe you've been tinkering with the settings and accidentally messed something up. A reset will revert everything to the default configuration, giving you a clean slate.
Troubleshooting: Sometimes, a router can act up for no apparent reason. Resetting it can often resolve strange connectivity issues or other glitches.
Selling or Repurposing: If you're selling your router or using it for a different purpose, a reset will ensure that your personal settings and data are removed.

No matter the reason, resetting your Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD is a straightforward process. Let's get to it!

Methods to Reset Your Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD

There are a couple of ways to reset your Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD router: using the reset button and using Netinstall. Let's explore both methods.

Method 1: Using the Reset Button

This is the most common and easiest way to reset your Mikrotik router. Here's how to do it:

Locate the Reset Button: First, you need to find the reset button on your Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD. It's usually a small, recessed button located on the front or back of the device. You might need a paperclip or a similar pointed object to press it.
Power Down the Router: Disconnect the power cable from the router. This is an important step to ensure that the reset process works correctly.
Press and Hold the Reset Button: Now, press and hold the reset button. While holding the button, reconnect the power cable to the router.
Observe the ACT LED: Keep holding the reset button and watch the ACT (Activity) LED on the router. The LED will start flashing. Continue holding the button until the ACT LED stops flashing. This usually takes about 5-10 seconds.
Release the Reset Button: Once the ACT LED stops flashing, release the reset button. The router will now reboot with its factory default settings.
Access the Router: After the router has rebooted, you can access it using the default IP address (usually 192.168.88.1) in your web browser. The default username is "admin" and there is no password.

Important Notes:

Make sure you hold the reset button until the ACT LED stops flashing. If you release it too early, the reset process might not complete successfully.
If you're having trouble accessing the router after the reset, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies or using a different browser.

Method 2: Using Netinstall

If the reset button method doesn't work, or if you need to reinstall the RouterOS, you can use Netinstall. This method is a bit more technical, but it's a reliable way to get your router back up and running.

Download Netinstall: Download the Netinstall utility from the Mikrotik website (www.mikrotik.com). Make sure to download the version that corresponds to your operating system (Windows or Linux).
Download RouterOS Firmware: Download the RouterOS firmware for your Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD from the Mikrotik website. Choose the correct architecture (usually MIPSBE) and download the .npk file.
Configure Your Computer's IP Address: You need to set a static IP address on your computer in the same subnet as the router. A common choice is 192.168.88.2 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. Set the gateway to 192.168.88.1.
Connect Your Router to Your Computer: Connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. Use port 2, because port 1 sometimes can have problems.
Start Netinstall: Run the Netinstall utility as an administrator.
Configure Netinstall: In Netinstall, specify the IP address of your computer (192.168.88.2) in the "Client IP address" field. In the "Net booting" section, enable "Boot Server enabled" and set the "Client IP address" to 192.168.88.1.
Browse for the RouterOS Firmware: Click the "Browse" button and select the RouterOS firmware file (.npk) that you downloaded earlier.
Put the Router into Netinstall Mode: Disconnect the power cable from the router. Press and hold the reset button. While holding the button, reconnect the power cable to the router. Continue holding the button until the router appears in the Netinstall window.
Install RouterOS: Once the router appears in Netinstall, select it and click the "Install" button. The RouterOS firmware will be installed on the router.
Reboot the Router: After the installation is complete, Netinstall will prompt you to reboot the router. Click the "Reboot" button.
Access the Router: After the router has rebooted, you can access it using the default IP address (192.168.88.1) in your web browser. The default username is "admin" and there is no password.

Important Notes:

Netinstall can be a bit tricky to get working. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and double-check all your settings.
If you're having trouble, try disabling your firewall or antivirus software temporarily.
Ensure you have the correct RouterOS firmware for your specific Mikrotik model.

Step-by-Step Guide: Reset Button Method

Let's break down the reset button method into a more detailed, step-by-step guide. This will ensure you don't miss any crucial steps.

Step 1: Gathering Your Tools and Information

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need:

Your Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD router: Obviously!
A paperclip or similar pointed object: To press the reset button.
A computer with an Ethernet port: To connect to the router after the reset.
A web browser: To access the router's configuration interface.
The default IP address, username, and password: For the Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD, the default IP address is usually 192.168.88.1, the default username is "admin", and there is no password.

Step 2: Powering Down the Router

Disconnect the power cable from the back of the router. Wait for a few seconds to ensure that the router is completely powered off.

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Step 3: Pressing and Holding the Reset Button

Locate the reset button on your router. It's usually a small hole labeled "Reset". Use the paperclip to press and hold the reset button.

Step 4: Powering On the Router While Holding the Reset Button

While still holding the reset button, reconnect the power cable to the router. You'll need to hold the reset button with one hand and plug in the power cable with the other. It might be a bit awkward, but you can do it!

Step 5: Observing the ACT LED

Keep holding the reset button and watch the ACT LED on the router. The LED will start flashing. Continue holding the button until the ACT LED stops flashing. This usually takes about 5-10 seconds.

Step 6: Releasing the Reset Button

Once the ACT LED stops flashing, release the reset button. The router will now reboot with its factory default settings.

Step 7: Connecting to the Router

Connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. Make sure your computer is configured to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP). Alternatively, you can set a static IP address in the same subnet as the router (e.g., 192.168.88.2 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0).

Step 8: Accessing the Router's Configuration Interface

Open your web browser and enter the default IP address of the router (192.168.88.1) in the address bar. Press Enter.

Step 9: Logging In

You should see the Mikrotik RouterOS login page. Enter the default username ("admin") and leave the password field blank. Click the "Connect" button.

Step 10: Configuring Your Router

You are now logged into the router's configuration interface. You can now configure your router according to your needs. Be sure to set a strong password to protect your router from unauthorized access.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

Cannot Access the Router After Reset:
- Check Your IP Address: Make sure your computer is configured to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP) or has a static IP address in the same subnet as the router.
- Clear Browser Cache: Clear your browser's cache and cookies or try using a different browser.
- Firewall Issues: Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software to see if that's the problem.
- Check Ethernet Cable: Make sure the Ethernet cable is properly connected to both your computer and the router.
Reset Button Not Working:
- Press and Hold Firmly: Make sure you are pressing the reset button firmly and holding it for the correct amount of time.
- Try Netinstall: If the reset button method doesn't work, try using Netinstall.
Router Not Booting Up:
- Check Power Supply: Make sure the power supply is working correctly and providing enough power to the router.
- Try a Different Power Adapter: If possible, try using a different power adapter.
- Contact Mikrotik Support: If the router still doesn't boot up, there might be a hardware issue. Contact Mikrotik support for assistance.

Conclusion

Resetting your Mikrotik RB951Ui-2HnD router is a simple process that can help you resolve various issues, from forgotten passwords to configuration problems. Whether you use the reset button method or Netinstall, following the steps outlined in this guide will get your router back to its factory default settings in no time. Remember to configure your router properly after the reset and set a strong password to protect your network. Happy networking, guys!