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quietjim · Jan 14, 2003, 09:08 AM

I've forgotten/lost the password to our RT314 Netgear router. The Netgear support site refers to two documents that appear to tell you how to retrieve this but when I click on them it just says they are no longer supported. It mentions uploading a rom0 file which I have but when I try to ftp from the terminal I'm asked for the password again.

How can I reset the router to its default values?

Computers are all OSX 10.2.3 - iMac and Pismo.

ghporter · Jan 14, 2003, 09:27 AM

The manual says to "use the serial connection method for cases when the Manager password is unknown." This is kind of involved, but basically you connect a serial cable to the DB9 on the back of the router, start a terminal program on your computer, and turn the router on. From there, follow the instructions in the manual, found here.

Whew! I prefer a box that has a "reset" button on it to this sort of involved process. Still, that makes the Netgear box pretty secure-it's hard for YOU to change it, let alone some intruder. Now, where's that Mac-to-PC serial adapter I had...

quietjim · Jan 14, 2003, 01:24 PM

Thanks, I did see that but of course there hasn't been a mac around here with a serial port in a long time. Maybe I can find an old PC, I think we have a couple in storage.

ghporter · Jan 14, 2003, 01:30 PM

That's the real problem with this sort of capability, isn't it? I have a couple of PCs around, but no DB9-DB9 cable-the last time I needed a serial cable, I needed a DB9-DB25 cable!

Remember that you need a "null modem" cable-one with the TX data and RX data lines swapped from one end to the other.

quietjim · Jan 14, 2003, 02:41 PM

Ok...I'm wondering: I have some old modemss around, I think there is one from the serial days...if I do this:

Router --> DB9 cable --> external modem --> built in modem on my pismo

Is that enough of a serial connection?

Of course then I'll have lots of questions about how to connect...

Thanks for those who know a lot more about this stuff than I do and take the time to answer!

Jim

ghporter · Jan 14, 2003, 05:30 PM

I think that will work, as long as you can configure both modems to handle a straight through connection. Since I have access to a PC, I'd get a new cable for this-just to cut down on the overhead and possible problems. The basic instructions are in the manual, just read them carefully, starting with the part on Using a Serial Connection near the back. Hmm. You'll be using two modems to connect your Pismo as a terminal to your router. Interesting.

One thing that may be of use, at least possibly. Some routers have a reset feature that has you simply short pins 3 and 8 of the serial port-SMC, Asante' and some U S Robotics routers do this. It's worth a shot...

quietjim · Jan 15, 2003, 11:07 AM

LOL! Thanks for the compliment, you are way overestimating my hardware electornics capability.... shorting pins? I have no idea how I would do that and it would scare me to try!

ghporter · Jan 15, 2003, 03:50 PM

Ok, better to know your limitations than to exceed them, eh? Make sure you post how things go.

quietjim · Jan 17, 2003, 02:50 PM

Well, the solution is far less elegant but it works. Fortunately, violating the fundamental security rules at our place, my assistant had written the password down. So we retrieved it, reset the router, uploaded the upgrade and everything is fine. Thanks so much for the suggestions, help and support.

ghporter · Jan 17, 2003, 02:57 PM

Take the time now to do three things: change the password, write it down, and put it somewhere safe and secure. I have a special file (in my locked file cabinet) for account numbers, passwords, and the like. It doesn't degrade security to have a backup of your data, so it shouldn't degrade security to have a (securely stored) copy of your password for when it's needed.

I was curious to see if your modem solution would work. I guess we'll never know-I hope we never need to know!