A Hikvision NVR is a great way to keep your home or business safe. But what do you do when you want to reset it? This article will show you how to factory reset your Hikvision NVR in just a few simple steps!
Understanding Factory Reset: A Clean Slate, But At a Cost
Performing a factory reset on your Hikvision NVR can be a helpful troubleshooting step or a necessary procedure when changing ownership of the system. However, it’s crucial to understand the implications before hitting that reset button.
A factory reset essentially wipes your NVR clean, restoring it to its original factory settings. This means all the configurations you’ve meticulously set up, the video recordings capturing important events, and the network settings connecting your NVR to the outside world – all of it will be erased.
Think of it as a complete do-over. It’s like getting a brand new NVR, but without the original packaging (and minus any pre-installed firmware updates).
Here’s a breakdown of what gets erased during a factory reset:
- User Configurations: Any custom settings you’ve defined for your NVR, including recording schedules, user accounts, motion detection zones, and more – all gone.
- Recorded Footage: Those critical video clips you captured? Washed away. A factory reset wipes the NVR’s internal storage clean.
- Network Settings: IP addresses, port configurations, and any network-related settings you’ve established – erased and ready for a new setup.
Before you proceed with a factory reset, it’s vital to understand this permanent data loss. Make sure you’re truly ready to wipe the slate clean. The next section will explore the possibility of backing up some of this data (depending on your NVR model), but remember, a factory reset itself will erase any existing backups stored on the NVR.
Backing Up Your Data
Backing up your data is important! No matter what type of device you are using, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. For Hikvision NVRs, you can easily create backups of your system by using the built-in tool called Backup Manager.
To access Backup Manager, go to Maintenance > Backup Manager. From here, you can create both full and incremental backups. Full backups will include all data from your NVR, while incremental backups will only include new or changed data since the last backup.
There are a few different ways to create backups. You can choose to store them on the local NVR, or you can send them to an FTP server. If you want to send backups off-site, we recommend setting up an FTP server and storing backups there. This way, if something happens to your NVR (like a power outage), you will still have your data stored safely off-site.
For more information on how to set up Backup Manager, please see our article How To Use Hikvision Backup Manager For Data Protection.
Restoring Default Settings
If you need to restore your Hikvision NVR to its default settings, you can do so by following the steps below:
1. Connect to your NVR via SSH and log in using the admin account.
2. Type the command “restore default” and press Enter.
3. Your NVR will now reboot and all of its settings will be reset to their defaults.
If you have any further questions about restoring your Hikvision NVR to its default settings, please contact Hikvision support for assistance.
Factory Reset Methods (Depending on Your NVR): A Two-pronged Approach
There are two main methods for resetting your Hikvision NVR to factory defaults, depending on your specific model. Let’s explore both options:
1. The Physical Button: A Universal Reset (For Applicable Models)
Some Hikvision NVR models come equipped with a dedicated reset button, usually located on the back panel of the unit. This button serves as a physical failsafe option for initiating a factory reset.
Here’s how to use the physical reset button (consult your NVR manual for specific details):
- Power Up: Ensure your NVR is powered on and functioning normally.
- Locate the Reset Button: Find the designated reset button on the back panel. It might be a small recessed button or labeled with a reset symbol.
- Press and Hold: With a non-sharp object (like a pen tip), press and hold the reset button for a specific duration. The exact time will vary depending on the model, but it’s typically around 10-15 seconds. Refer to your NVR manual for the precise duration required for your model.
Important Note: Make sure you hold the button for the entire specified time. A shorter press might not trigger the reset process.
Once you hold the button for the required duration, the NVR will initiate the factory reset. You might see indicator lights blinking or hear a beep to confirm the process has begun.
2. Software Reset: A Menu-Driven Approach (For Applicable Models)
If your Hikvision NVR lacks a physical reset button, you can perform a factory reset through the NVR’s software interface. This method involves navigating through the system settings menu.
Here’s a general guideline (consult your NVR manual for exact menu options):
- Access System Settings: Power on your NVR and log in using your administrator credentials. Locate the system settings menu within the NVR interface. The specific menu terminology might vary (e.g., “System,” “Configuration,” “Settings”). Consult your NVR manual for precise instructions on navigating to the correct menu.
- Find the Reset Option: Once inside the system settings menu, look for an option labeled “Reset,” “Default Settings,” “Factory Reset,” or something similar. This option will be responsible for initiating the factory reset process.
- Confirmation Prompts: Selecting the reset option might trigger confirmation prompts. These prompts are designed to prevent accidental resets. Carefully read the warnings and confirm your intention to proceed with the factory reset.
Following the on-screen prompts and confirming the reset will initiate the process. The NVR might take a few minutes to complete the reset and reboot itself.
Remember: The specific steps for both methods might vary depending on your exact Hikvision NVR model. Always refer to your NVR manual for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions for your specific device.
After the Factory Reset: A Fresh Start Awaits
Once you’ve initiated the factory reset using either the physical button or the software interface, your Hikvision NVR will take a few moments to complete the process. This typically involves erasing data, resetting configurations, and reloading the default settings. During this time, you might see blinking indicator lights or hear beeps from the NVR, depending on the model.
Once the reset is complete, the NVR will automatically reboot itself. This reboot might take a minute or two, and then your NVR will be up and running again, but with a clean slate.
Here’s what to expect after the reboot:
- Welcome Screen: You’ll likely be greeted by the NVR’s initial setup wizard or welcome screen.
- Configuration from Scratch: It’s time to roll up your sleeves and set up the NVR again from the ground up. This includes configuring network settings, adding and configuring your security cameras, defining recording schedules and preferences, and creating new user accounts.
Think of it as a fresh start for your NVR. You get to customize everything according to your current needs and security requirements.
Important Reminder: Since the factory reset wipes out all recordings, you won’t have access to any previously captured footage. This reinforces the importance of exploring backup options (if available for your model) before proceeding with the reset.
Updating Your Firmware
If you’re having issues with your Hikvision NVR, one thing you can try is updating the firmware. This process can be a little tricky, but we’ll walk you through it step by step.
Before you begin, make sure you have the latest firmware file from Hikvision’s website. You’ll also need a USB flash drive that’s formatted to FAT32.
Now, follow these steps:
1. Connect the USB flash drive to the NVR and power it on.
2. Go to the Main Menu and select System Settings.
3. Select Management and then Firmware Upgrade.
4. Select the USB flash drive as the upgrade source.
5. Select the firmware file you downloaded earlier and start the upgrade process.
6. Once the upgrade is finished, reboot your NVR and check to see if the issue has been resolved.
If you’re still having issues, you can try factory resetting your NVR. This will erase all of your settings, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding. To factory reset your NVR, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Main Menu and select System Settings.
2. Select Default Settings and then Factory Default.
3. Enter your password and confirm the reset.
4. Once the reset is finished, reboot your NVR and reconfigure your settings.
Formatting Your Hard Drive
When you format your hard drive, you erase all the information on it. This includes any files you’ve stored, as well as any settings or configurations you’ve made. Formatting is a good way to start from scratch if you’re having trouble with your Hikvision NVR.
To format your hard drive:
1. Connect your Hikvision NVR to a monitor and keyboard.
2. Power on the NVR and wait for it to boot up.
3. Once the NVR is up and running, go to the Main Menu and select “System.”
4. Under the “System” menu, select “Hard Disk Management.”
5. Select the hard drive you want to format and click “Format.”
6. Confirm that you want to format the drive by clicking “OK.”
The formatting process will take a few minutes to complete. Once it’s done, your Hikvision NVR will be reset and ready to use!
FAQ:
Understanding the implications of a factory reset is crucial before hitting that button. Here’s a breakdown of some common questions to guide you:
1. What happens to my recordings after a factory reset?
A factory reset is a one-way street for your recordings. All recordings stored on the NVR’s internal storage will be permanently erased. This includes any critical security footage or captured events.
2. Will I lose my camera settings?
Yes, along with your recordings, a factory reset wipes the slate clean. All user configurations, including camera settings, are erased. This means you’ll need to re-add your cameras and define their settings (resolution, recording schedules, etc.) from scratch.
3. Do I need to reinstall the firmware after a reset?
No, the good news is that a factory reset typically doesn’t affect the NVR’s firmware. The firmware is the underlying software that controls the NVR’s core functionalities, and it usually remains untouched during a factory reset. However, some advanced users might choose to update the firmware after a reset to ensure they have the latest bug fixes and security patches.
4. How do I find my NVR’s user manual?
There are a couple of ways to locate your NVR’s user manual:
- Physical Copy: Check the box or packaging that came with your Hikvision NVR. The user manual might be included within the packaging.
- Hikvision Website: Head over to the Hikvision website (https://www.hikvision.com/us-en/) and search for the specific model number of your NVR. Hikvision typically provides downloadable user manuals for their products on their website.
Having the user manual handy will be extremely helpful, especially when navigating the specific steps for resetting your NVR model and setting it up again after the reset.
Conclusion
We hope this guide on how to factory reset Hikvision NVR has been helpful. If you are still having trouble, please leave a comment below and we will try our best to assist you. Remember, always backup your data before performing any type of reset!
