Linksys BEFSR41 Router Problem

[Kubie]

I call it a router problem but it is a user problem.
How do I completely wipe out the password I entered as I didn't write it down and can't remember it?
So far, I have set the router back to factory default, rechecked my network settings, renewed in Winipcfg, tried to change the password in the router setup page, etc. to no avail. It says my password is incorrect.
Something I'm doing is wrong or I'm missing something.
Really need some help here.
Problem happened after I cleared all my cookies and internet files.
Carl

[DrZaius]

Hi Carl,

Isn't there a hardware reset button somewhere on the router that restores the settings back to factory default? I would try that.

[Orcmonkey]

Yeah the hard reset always does the trick for me. Its right on the back and you need to hold a pencil or something in it for like 5 secs until it flashes.

[Kubie]

Thanks fellas, but the reset button is on the front and I have pushed it in for the required legth of time to set back to factory defaults.
I'll start from scratch and reinstall it.
Wish me luck.
Carl

[Kubie]

Thanks for the help.
This is a case of getting out the instruction book and reading it very slow.
Carl

[Confused]

Carl according to discussion over at dslreports you need to power linksys off, depress and hold reset key and power back on while keeping reset button depressed.
Chas

[Kubie]

Confused,
With everything powered off, I powered up the router and then the DSL modem. All the link lights on the router and the synch lights on the modem showed correctly. I than pushed the reset button on the router to reset to factory defaults. I powered up the pc, checked winipcfg to make sure everything was correct, and than went to the router setup page. I entered all the pertinent info for my connection, applied, and clicked on home.
Here I am.
I don't know for sure but the steps at dsl reports may be for a router with a firmware upgrade. I did the upgrade with my first router and it was the biggest mistake I made.
Carl

[Confused]

According to help at dslreports, power off Linksys, depress and hold reset button and power back on keeping the reset button depressed while router is powering back up.

In other words, power up with reset button depressed.
Chas

[Kubie]

Confused,
I understand, but that would take two people. The Linksys doesn't have a on/off switch. The plug is behind my pc desk and the router is about as far away as it can be. Otherwise I'd have to be a contortionist.
I did print out your instructions though for future reference and I do thank you for the help.
Carl

[Orcmonkey]

No, depress the reset then pull out the AC in on the back, thus powering it off, then stick the power plug back into the router. You don't need to mess with the wall outlet.

[Kubie]

Orcmonkey,
I had thought about doing that too. Even though there are no warnings about doing it that way, when hooking the thing up, it always says to hook the power cord to the router first and the wall plug last. I figured there was a good reason. If you guys are doing the other way, next time I will too.
Thanks again.
Carl

[SARGE]

Carl, let us know if the tactic worked. Reason I ask is, I wrote down my password in December on a scratch sheet of paper, and after reading your post discovered that DL has been cleaning out the file cabinet again!! Leave my cotton-pickin' stuff alone (if you're reading this dear ).