Some time ago I wrote a post titled Securing D-Link DI-524 Wireless Router. In that post I outlined the steps needed to secure that particular wireless router.
More recently I wrote another post title How to Reset the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router and decided to write a similar post on reseting the DI-524 router.
Reset Button
Note:
Reseting the router to the factory defaults will delete any changes you have made to the router, including any security settings. This should be used as a last resort.
The steps involved in reseting the router is simply pressing a button located on the router. The image below (courtesy of D-Link) shows where the button is located.

Location of the D-Link DI-524 Reset Button
To reset your router, use the following steps:
- Press the reset button for 10 seconds. You can use a small object, such as a paper clip to hold down the button.
- Open up your Web browser and enter 192.168.0.1 in the address bar.
- For the login, enter admin as the ID and leave the password blank.
Do not power off the unit while the router is being reset.
The unit should now reboot, and once the WLAN light stops blinking the router should be reset.
The router has now been reset. Follow the steps in Securing D-Link DI-524 Wireless Router to secure your router.
Summary
This post has provided the instructions you can use to reset your D-Link DI-524 wireless router. If you are having problems with your router, try reseting the router to the factory defaults, and then make the changes again and see if the router starts working.
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on February 15, 2008 at 11:37 pm
what happens is I type in admin with no password, and it let’s me move on to the open page, then I click on wizard and it takes me to the change password page, I leave the old password empty and type in my new password and once again in the confirm box, then it opens another box that wants my password,
I tried typing admin and leaving the password blank also tried admin with new password, but it still locks me out wheream I going wrong?
on June 30, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Try entering the password under admin in the log in, i think that might create the password for you.
on July 14, 2008 at 3:50 pm
If my router is plugged into my modem, and then my computer is plugged into the router, I cannot connect to the internet.
(a direct connection between modem and computer works fine)
So I tried to reset my router (My ISP told me I should try that) so I reset it while the computer was plugged into the router, but then I couldnt connect to the IP address you put here.
Do I have a different sort of problem?
on September 19, 2008 at 8:27 am
My reset button doesn’t work. Is there some way to do it in the web interface or through CLI or something?
on January 14, 2009 at 4:33 pm
My router is having problems. Like whenever i try resetting my router and then I go to my web browser and type in 192.168.0.1, I put in admin with no password in the password box and it doesn’t move on to the next page, it just sits there. What can I do? any more tips?
on January 15, 2009 at 9:18 am
What happens when you use 192.168.1.1?
on April 13, 2009 at 2:48 pm
I have some problems. I went to 192.168.0.1, typed in admin and left the password blank..clicked OK. And after three tries it says 401 Unauthorized. It doesn’t go to the configuration menu.
on April 14, 2009 at 8:18 am
Try resetting the router again. Maybe something wasn’t reset properly.
on September 23, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Hi,
You should keep puching the reset butom for 10 seconds,than it will for sure works .
on January 30, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I’ve set up my router I have internet and wireless but I want to set up the Admin/security but whenever i enter: 192.168.0.1 the browser page shows a Page Load Error, it says “The connection to the server was reset while the page was loading.” I’ve tried this many times
on January 30, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Can you try using 192.168.1.1, and see if you can get access to your router’s administrative pages?
on October 8, 2009 at 10:46 pm
i have tried this and it doesn’t work is there another option?
on February 5, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Whoohoo!! Thanks SOOO much for your awesome articles about resetting the router and securing the network! You rock man!
I inherited a DI-524 and didn’t know the first thing about wireless or routers. In fact to me a router is a hand held wood working device! lol
Followed all your instructions to the T, and presto wham-o, router reset, secured, and my laptop is now mobile around the condo!
You made my day!
THANK YOU!!
Jen – 50 yrs young!
on February 6, 2009 at 9:46 am
I’m glad I could help.
on March 1, 2009 at 1:31 am
I think 1 more piece of info. should have been mentioned.
After resetting your router, change your network properties to “auto assign”, else you might get a connection to server timed out error [ depending on what your network setting was prior to resetting the router ].
I just thought it was worth mentioning since some people above have complained of a server timed out error once the router was reset.
on April 13, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Where is the PIN # located at? I can’t find it. I need it to setup a wireless connection on my laptop =/ It’s not on the back of my router. And I lost my CD and manual. Is there anyway to get the PIN number?
on April 14, 2009 at 8:16 am
What PIN # are you looking for? Once you reset your router, you can use the default user name and password to log in.
on April 22, 2009 at 12:42 am
I was helping my brother with couple things. At his cable modem it is going to a DGL-4100 Router. Outputs to Desktop Direct, 2-XBOX 360 Direct, and to wall jack that goes to guest Room that has 2 Desktop Computers.
I had installed the D-Link DI-524 in there for 2 things; Direct to 2 other Desktop PC’s and to setup the wireless for PS3 in the family room. Was working fine till I did the current firmware upgrade on the DI-524. The Desktops and PS3 no longer recognize a internet connection? Help how to get this to work again is appreciated!
on April 22, 2009 at 8:22 am
Have you tried resetting the router back to factory defaults, and then resecuring it? You can always try unplugging the router, resetting the modem and then powering up the router once the modem is back online.
Also, verify that your router is assigning the proper number of IP addresses (don’t know why it would change, but it’s worth a peak) to ensure all your equipment can receive an IP address. Also, check the change log of the latest firmware update to see what was changed.
on April 22, 2009 at 9:10 am
Paul,
Thanks for your suggestions… will check this out tonight.
The firmware upgrade says improved performance. August 16, 2006 Version 1.23
Ironically I have the same router; DI-524 in my home. Back in 2007 when my son received the Wireless antenna for his XBOX360 the connection was really poor, losing connection etc… Did some research to find out there was this same firmware update for the DI-524. After the update the 360 has been running great over the wireless connection.
on April 29, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Hi.
I am trying to reset my DI 524, I’ve pressed the reset button several times (for as long as a minute probably) and the WLAN light never stops blinking. I can get on the internet through it, so it must not have a password on it, but when I go to 192.168.0.1 and leave it as admin, and just hit “Log in” it says http://192.168.0.1 Invalid password, please try again.” It doesn’t seem to have a password on it though! I don’t know what to try next, any ideas?
Thanks
on April 30, 2009 at 8:21 am
The password to log into the administrative pages doesn’t prevent you from accessing the Internet. It looks like you need a password to connect to the admin pages, but you may or may not need a WPA/WEP passcode to connect to the Internet. Many times if you have previously setup the wireless network on your computer, you won’t be prompted to reenter the passcode.
For the reset button, does the lights on the router change when you hold it down. If not, then you may not be pressing the button in all the way.
on April 29, 2009 at 8:58 pm
also, i am on a mac, if it makes a difference. i was able to log in as “user” but then didn’t have sufficient privileges to change the password. i have now exhausted my technology abilities.
on April 30, 2009 at 8:22 am
The user that you logged in as, does it have admin privileges? Was the user ID admin?
on May 5, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Hi, sorry it took me a while to get back to this. no, i was logged in as user, since i couldn’t get in as admin. it didn’t have privileges to change the password. i think it may just be broken, at least as far as resetting goes. thanks again.
on April 30, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Hey, i’ve recently got a new computer to replace my old one, which is hooked up to the wireless router and modem. Do have to reset the router in order to make the new pc the main internet provider. If so, can you please help me.
on May 1, 2009 at 10:28 am
You shouldn’t have to reset the router, as your new computer will just be assigned a new IP address by the router. If you have enabled MAC address filtering in the router, then you would need to update the MAC list with the MAC address from your new computer.
If you are having problems connecting, you can try disconnecting the power from the modem and router and wait about 30 seconds. After that, plugin in the modem and wait for it to finish powering up. Once the modem is up, reconnect the power to the router.
on June 4, 2009 at 12:05 am
It worked for me!!!!
Awesome dude!!!!
on June 20, 2009 at 11:41 am
I have been resetting my D-link 15 times, the ip address never opens and keep getting error. I do not even my conenction on wireless list. It is not broadcasting either.
I am throwing away this piece of junk DLINK router. I have had isses with Dlink few other times in office as well so I changed it to seomthign else more reliable.
on August 5, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Thanks a lot great info.
on August 14, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Hello!!
i can only reset the password for admin user?
i’m lost the password for admin user and i need preserve the current configuration
on August 18, 2009 at 6:08 pm
I just got a DL-524 from my brother. It came without any instructions. Where can I get a manual/instructions so I can set it up?
on August 18, 2009 at 7:58 pm
I couldn’t find anything for a DL-524 router. If you mean the DI-524, then you can find all product information, including manuals, at http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=DI-524&tab=3
on August 23, 2009 at 5:30 pm
My modem’s connected to my router and my pc’s connected to my router. Everything works fine yesterday, both my pc and laptop could connect to internet. Today, my pc still works fine but my laptop suddenly cannot connect to the internet. The access signal at the bottom right says “Local Only”. What does this mean? Is there something wrong with my router and do I need to reset it?
on August 23, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I have the same issue from time to time. The best method I found of correcting the problem is to unplug the power from the router for 10 seconds, and the plug it back in. Once it boots you should be able to reconnect with your laptop.
Because you aren’t performing a hard reset this way, all your settings will still be saved.
on August 29, 2009 at 8:39 am
Hi,
I’ve tried resetting my router however the WAN light does not stop flashing… i also tired accessing 192.168.0.1 however nothing came up, no page prompting me to type in my ID..etc
Can anyone assist?
Thanks
on September 9, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I have a similar problem, and the cable company can’t help me! My laptop can’t get on the internet, however my PC can. What am I doing wrong? I am not computer literate, so please have patience, thank you!
on September 11, 2009 at 8:13 am
Can your laptop connect to the router? If not, try connecting a network cable into the router and laptop and see if you can connect. If you can, then there is an issue with the wireless settings.
on May 20, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I have the same problem… my laptop recognizes the router but has limited connectivity. However, with cable, internet connection is possible. How do I fix this? Thanks.
on November 5, 2009 at 7:33 am
Here’s the solution to fix a DI-524 that will not stop flashing when you try to reset it.
Thanks to Borge!
http://borgetech.blogspot.com/2007/09/d-link-di-524-revision-b4-status-light.html
on November 22, 2009 at 11:20 pm
why can’t i reset my di-link 524 router..? only the power and 4 are lighting.. what will i do?
on March 8, 2010 at 4:57 am
Did you solve this as mine is doing the same thing
on December 10, 2009 at 1:46 am
I have the same problem with my DI 524 connected to local only and unidentified. I don’t have access to the internet and keeps telling me that the connection was reset. I don’t know what to do anymore, the internet
provider refused to help me. Can someone help me pls?
on December 28, 2009 at 9:57 am
i have a DI 524. I cant seem to get to the settings url on the internet. I cant get the computer to work with this router. It is a loosing battle.
it goes to the circular file and i will purchase a linksys by cisco wireless.
sick of working on stuff that does not work and only to have the manufacture not help either.
telling you that you are on your own.
this router is not worth the trouble.
pay 69 dollars for a new upgraded router.
so i just tossed my DI524 and now my router is working fine.
on January 2, 2010 at 7:09 pm
I need to know whether i can reset the router and connect a new computer as the main hub adding other laptops/game machines to it without the original set up disk ???
on April 5, 2010 at 8:12 pm
I have reset the router, but am still unable to access the admin web interface, so can not make any changes to the settings…can anyone advise?
on June 22, 2010 at 7:19 pm
The files downloaded from above (Kaspars’ link) do not work on my Dl-524
http://rapidshare.com/files/37768292/20060428_524_V204_bin.zip
router says it’s not a .bin file
http://rapidshare.com/files/37768293/DI-524_fw_revb_205b02_ALL_en_070118.rar
Exe states no cgi found & same for v2.07 too.
I updated to firmware v1.23 from Dlinks website & now my router won’t connect- is there a way to remove firmware once it’s installed? ( I reset to factory specs but still nothing.)
on July 28, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Thanks for sharing- we had a similar problem with the cisco router at our office but I think it’s under control now!
on August 13, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Hey thank you v much yaar
on August 23, 2010 at 2:23 am
I cannot add a Virtual Server. I go to Advanced / Virtual Server, I type in all the required information, but when I click the “apply” button I get an error messages saying “Unable to add”.
What can I do?
on December 5, 2010 at 5:41 pm
I’ve reset the router, and when I try to login, it won’t accept ‘admin’ for user name and a blank password! I have this exact router, revision ‘C’. I’ve tried all combinations of admin, admin, administrator, blank, etc. Anyone else have this problem? Any fixes? Thanks!
on December 21, 2010 at 8:58 am
You need to reset it like in the manual. Remove the power cable, press the reset button, power it (don’t let go to the reset button yet) wait until both Status and Wlan lights are blinking at the same time then let go the reset button. If you wait to much, you need to start all over!
on September 15, 2011 at 8:00 am
Guys,
When you type ADMIN, leave the password BLANK.
This was my anly problem…I was typing ADMIN as password!
cheers from brazil
on January 20, 2011 at 9:05 pm
The ‘BIGGIES’ I found regarding resetting:
1.) the reset hole on the side of the router has to be held in for 10 seconds or more …. with the power ON. Then……
2.) pull the power plugs from the modem and the router – wait 30+ seconds
3.) repower the modem 1st….allowing it to power up for about a minute
4.) repower the router … wait a bit
You should then be back in business.
on January 21, 2011 at 8:15 am
I usually take that route, with the exception of the pressing the reset button, when I can’t get my router to connect to the Internet. Sometimes it just need to do a complete shutdown of both the modem and router to get things back in order.
on May 12, 2011 at 8:16 pm
I’ve been through a few routers in my time. And I have found that the internet is the most useful tool to find the info you need to accomplish almost anything. I used the D-Link as my primary router for about 4 years. It was the most dependable router I have used. I don’t understand all the issues with resetting. I reset about once every few months just to clear out the bugs and cobwebs. Think of it like an oil change. With the D-Link it really is just as simple as pushing and holding the reset button while the unit is on for about 10 seconds. This will clear all info and bring the unit back to factory defaults. I am about to sell my DI-524 and have just done this. I checked it with my laptop to make sure and all was good. Right down to the admin/no password log in.
on May 15, 2011 at 5:32 pm
I have a Linksys WRT54G, and I don’t remember when the last time I have reset it. If I have problems I just restart the router with the power cable and it usually comes back online. Some people need to reset the router if they had someone else secure it, but don’t remember the password.
on July 3, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Added security password, since, unable to print on my wireless printer. Tried reseting dlink 524 but can’t find device (printer) . Any suggestions.
on July 13, 2011 at 2:18 pm
hey guys, i was stupid enough to throw away the box with the pin number of my di 524..
what can i do to restore it/generate a new one…?
thanks a lot!
on July 14, 2011 at 8:02 am
What pin number are you referring to?
on September 14, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Thank you so much for the information. I have just set the MAC filtering and no one can’t access the router that’s why I came up with the idea on resetting it. Thanks Again
on February 10, 2012 at 4:40 pm
If I reset my router, will all my provider information gets wiped out?
on February 13, 2012 at 8:03 am
If you entered information about your provider in your router, then yes, it will be wiped out.
on February 21, 2012 at 9:40 am
I need to reset a wireless connection that goes between 2 computers and desire to get my new computer tablet connected to this wireless connection. The password has been forgotten so I think I need to reset the router and password. I am using a D-link router. For any help, I would appreciate it. Thanks
on February 21, 2012 at 10:36 am
If you don’t know the password then you will need to reset the password.
on February 21, 2012 at 8:45 pm
I was able to connect to the other computers wireless network. Thank goodness! Now I can enjoy the internet on my computer tablet.
Merritt Davis recently posted…A Look Back: iPhone 2G to iPhone 5 Comparison
on February 22, 2012 at 8:02 am
It’s good to hear that you manage to get the wireless on your tablet working.