RBK43-100NAS:If I factory reset my router and manually restore the settings, will devices reconnect?

[rscott20518]

My Parent's Orbi has reached a state where I can not log into the admin controls, and despite me having the serial number on hand, I can not reset the password due to forgetting my answers to the security questions. I'm tempted to factory-reset the router, but I want to make sure the devices that are connected will reconnect if I configure the router with the same connection password, SSID, and encryption.

My parents have like 70+ devices on this network, most of them being smart devices they got excited to use, but they still rely on me to fix when things go wrong. I don't even know how my Dad configured some of these things, and I'd rather not hear his muttering if we have to reconnect each of them manually.

I'm not entirely sure if I have the right model number, RBK43-100NAS was what showed up in the QR code on the unit alongside the serial, MAC, and default connection settings.

[michaelkenward]

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@rscott20518 wrote:

My Parent's Orbi has reached a state where I can not log into the admin controls, and despite me having the serial number on hand, I can not reset the password due to forgetting my answers to the security questions. I'm tempted to factory-reset the router, but I want to make sure the devices that are connected will reconnect if I configure the router with the same connection password, SSID, and encryption.

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It should work. But who knows what subtle settings there are in there beyond the SSID and password for the wifi?

Of course, if you made a backup of the settings before you forgot the router's own password that would make life easier.

[michaelkenward]

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@rscott20518 wrote:

I'm not entirely sure if I have the right model number, RBK43-100NAS was what showed up in the QR code on the unit alongside the serial, MAC, and default connection settings.

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Look for the Model Number on the label on the bottom of the router.

[rscott20518]

I don't have any backups unfortunately. I wouldn't expect my parents to even know why to make backups anyway.
There is no model number. I only see a serial number, "50U2755501CDE" and a MAC of "A040A077E6D1"

[CrimpOn]

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@rscott20518 wrote:

I'm not entirely sure if I have the right model number, RBK43-100NAS was what showed up in the QR code on the unit alongside the serial, MAC, and default connection settings.

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In the QR code?  Or under the word Netgear at the top of the label (and above the QR code?)  When I scan Orbi QR codes, the only information in them is the WiFi credentials (SSID and password).

Does the system look like this:

https://www.netgear.com/images/datasheet/orbi/RBK43.pdf 

The chances are extremely high that every device will reconnect to WiFi once the system reboots.  Has there ever been a power outage?  Did devices "come back on-line" after the power outage?

One reason I hedge about "no problems - guaranteed!" is the fear that some router settings may have been changed over the years and no one remembers what or why.  For example, I have reserved (assigned) specific IP addresses to almost every device on my network.  I like all the cameras to have IPs in a sequence. All the smart plugs in another sequence. The printer is 192.168.1.4. etc.  Unless all those assignments are made before the WiFi credentials are changed back to the proper settings, there wll be a "free for all" when the system comes up with devices grabbing IP addresses.  No assigned IPs means "no problem".

[michaelkenward]

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@rscott20518 wrote:

There is no model number. I only see a serial number, "###########" and a MAC of "A040A077E6D1"

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I have yet to see a Netgear device that doesn't have a label with the model number.

That's in the manual. Unlike most devices, it doesn't say "Modem Number". But that's where to look.

[KevinLiT]

Hello @rscott20518 ,

Welcome to the NETGEAR Community!

Performing a factory reset will wipe all of your settings from your router. However, if you give the router the same SSID and password combination during the initial setup process after your factory reset, your devices will automatically connect to your Orbi Mesh network. 

Please navigate to the link below for instructions on how to successfully factory reset your Orbi Mesh system:
https://kb.netgear.com/31486/How-do-I-reset-my-Orbi-system-to-factory-default-settings

Best,
Kevin
Community Team