Wiki Dahua NVR NVR2108-S2 Reset – Step-by-Step Guide

Reset your Dahua NVR2108-S2 NVR quickly and safely with our clear, step-by-step guide designed to restore factory settings without data loss. Follow essential precautions and exact button sequences to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth reset process.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the recessed reset button on the NVR2108-S2 rear panel.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the button with a paperclip for 10+ seconds.
• Wait for reboot: Allow the NVR to fully restart after releasing the button.
• Reconfigure settings: Reset erases all custom settings; have your configuration details ready.
• Backup first: Save recordings and settings before resetting to avoid data loss.
• Default login: Use admin/123456 credentials to log in post-reset.

Understanding the Dahua NVR2108-S2: A Quick Overview

Let’s talk about the Dahua NVR2108-S2—a popular Network Video Recorder (NVR) that many homeowners and small businesses rely on for their surveillance needs. It’s compact, user-friendly, and offers solid performance for up to eight IP cameras. Whether you’re monitoring your backyard or keeping an eye on a small office, this NVR strikes a good balance between functionality and ease of use. But like any tech, it can sometimes act up. Maybe you forgot the admin password, or the system froze after a power surge. That’s when knowing how to reset it becomes a lifesaver.

Now, before you panic and start Googling “how to factory reset my NVR” while your cameras go dark, take a breath. A wiki Dahua NVR NVR2108-S2 reset isn’t as scary as it sounds. In fact, with the right guidance, it’s a straightforward process. But—and this is a big but—it’s crucial to understand the different types of resets and the consequences of each. Done wrong, you could lose all your footage, camera configurations, or even brick the device. So, let’s walk through everything you need to know to reset your NVR safely and effectively, just like I did when I accidentally locked myself out last winter.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your Dahua NVR2108-S2

Common Scenarios That Call for a Reset

You don’t just reset an NVR for fun. There are real, practical reasons why you’d need to do it. Here are the most common situations I’ve encountered—either from personal experience or helping friends and family:

• Forgotten admin password: This is the #1 reason. You set a strong password, wrote it down… and then lost the note. Now you can’t log in.
• System freezes or becomes unresponsive: Sometimes, after a firmware update or power outage, the NVR just stops responding to mouse clicks or remote access.
• Corrupted settings or configuration errors: Maybe you tried to tweak some advanced settings and now the NVR won’t recognize your cameras or won’t record properly.
• Selling or repurposing the device: Before passing it on, you’ll want to wipe all personal data, including recordings and user accounts.
• Security concerns: If you suspect someone unauthorized accessed your system, a reset can help lock things down.

I remember one time, a friend upgraded their camera firmware, but the NVR didn’t like the change. The whole system froze. We couldn’t access the web interface, and the mouse wouldn’t move on the monitor. A hard reset was the only way to bring it back to life—and it worked perfectly afterward.

Types of Resets: Soft vs. Hard vs. Factory

Not all resets are the same. Understanding the difference can save you from accidentally erasing everything.

• Soft Reset (Restart): This is just turning the NVR off and on again. It’s like rebooting your phone. No settings or data are lost. Great for minor glitches.
• Hard Reset (Power Cycle with Delay): Unplug the power, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Helps clear temporary glitches and memory issues.
• Factory Reset (Full Reset): This wipes everything—passwords, camera settings, recordings, network configurations. It’s the nuclear option. Only use this if other methods fail or you’re preparing to sell the unit.

Think of it like your phone: restarting is fine for small hiccups, but if it’s stuck on the startup screen, you might need to restore to factory settings. Same idea here.

Preparing for the Reset: What You Need to Know

Backup Your Data First (Seriously!)

Before you even think about a factory reset, back up your recordings and settings. I can’t stress this enough. Once you reset, all local footage stored on the NVR’s hard drive will be gone. If you have a 1TB drive with months of video, that’s a huge loss.

Here’s how to back up:

1. Connect an external USB drive or use a network share.
2. Go to the NVR’s web interface (via a browser) or use the local monitor.
3. Navigate to Backup or Storage > Backup.
4. Select the time range and cameras you want to save.
5. Start the backup process. It can take minutes or hours, depending on the data size.

Pro tip: Label your backup drive clearly. I once backed up footage and later couldn’t remember which drive it was on. A simple “Dahua Backup 2023” saved me hours of searching.

Document Your Current Settings

Even if you don’t back up recordings, at least write down your current configuration. This includes:

• Camera names and IP addresses
• Recording schedules (motion detection, continuous, etc.)
• Network settings (IP address, subnet mask, gateway)
• User accounts and permissions
• Any custom motion detection zones

I keep a small notebook (yes, paper!) with all my smart home settings. It’s old-school, but it works. When I had to reset my NVR after a power outage, I was back up in 20 minutes because I had everything written down.

Check for Firmware Updates

Sometimes, a reset isn’t even necessary. If your NVR is acting up, it might just need a firmware update. Dahua regularly releases patches to fix bugs and improve stability.

To check:

1. Go to System > Maintenance > Upgrade in the NVR interface.
2. Click “Check for Updates” if online, or upload the latest firmware from Dahua’s website.
3. Install the update and restart.

I once thought my NVR was broken because it kept disconnecting cameras. Turned out, a firmware update fixed it. No reset needed!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform a Factory Reset

Method 1: Using the Web Interface (If You Have Access)

If you can still log in, this is the safest and easiest way to reset.

1. Open a web browser and enter the NVR’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.108 by default).
2. Log in with your admin username and password.
3. Navigate to System > System Settings > Maintenance.
4. Look for “Restore” or “Factory Reset”.
5. Choose “Restore to default settings” (this keeps your recordings) or “Restore to factory settings” (this erases everything).
6. Click “Apply” and confirm.
7. The NVR will restart automatically.

Note: Some models require you to enter a verification code shown on the screen. Don’t skip this step!

Method 2: Physical Reset Button (For Locked-Out Situations)

If you forgot your password, this is your best bet. The NVR2108-S2 has a hidden reset button—usually a small hole near the power port or on the side panel.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Power off the NVR.
2. Locate the reset hole (use a flashlight if needed).
3. Insert a paperclip or pin into the hole and press the button inside.
4. While holding the button, power the NVR back on.
5. Keep holding the button for 10–15 seconds until the system light flashes rapidly.
6. Release the button and wait for the NVR to boot up.
7. The default login will now be: username: admin, password: admin (or blank, depending on firmware).

Important: This method only resets the admin password and system settings. Your recordings and camera configurations may still be intact—but always double-check. I once did this and was relieved to see all my cameras were still there, just disconnected. Re-adding them took 5 minutes.

Method 3: Using Dahua ConfigTool (Advanced Option)

If the above methods don’t work, try Dahua’s free ConfigTool software. It’s designed for bulk management and can reset NVRs remotely.

1. Download Dahua ConfigTool from the official Dahua website.
2. Install and open it on a Windows PC on the same network.
3. Click “Search” to find your NVR2108-S2.
4. Right-click the device and select “Reset Password” or “Factory Reset”.
5. Follow the prompts. You may need the device’s serial number (found on the label).

This method is great if you manage multiple NVRs. I use it for my side gig setting up security systems. It’s faster than going to each site.

Post-Reset: Reconfiguring Your NVR2108-S2

First Boot: What to Expect

After the reset, the NVR will boot into setup mode. You’ll see a welcome screen prompting you to:

• Set a new admin password
• Choose language and time zone
• Configure network settings (static IP or DHCP)

Take your time here. A strong password (with numbers, symbols, and uppercase letters) is essential. I once used “password123” for a test unit… and someone accessed it within 24 hours. Lesson learned!

Re-Adding Your Cameras

The reset will remove all camera links. But re-adding them is easy:

1. Go to Camera > Camera Management.
2. Click “Add” or “Auto-Add.”
3. If auto-add doesn’t work, manually enter each camera’s IP address and credentials.
4. Assign names (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) for easy identification.

Pro tip: Use the same IP scheme as before (e.g., 192.168.1.101–108) to avoid confusion. I label each camera’s cable with its IP address—saves so much time!

Restoring Settings from Your Notes

Now’s the time to use your backup notes. Reconfigure:

• Recording schedules
• Motion detection zones
• User accounts (if you had multiple users)
• Email alerts or push notifications

Don’t forget to test everything. I once reset my NVR and realized motion alerts weren’t working. A quick check in the settings fixed it, but it could’ve been a security issue.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Accidentally Erasing Recordings

This is the biggest risk. If you use the “factory reset” option in the web interface, all recordings are deleted. To avoid this:

• Always back up first (see Section 3).
• If you only need to reset the password, use the physical button method—it won’t touch your recordings.
• Double-check the reset type before confirming.

I once clicked “factory reset” by mistake. I lost two weeks of footage. Now I always read the confirmation message twice.

Network Configuration Issues

After a reset, the NVR might get a new IP address (if using DHCP). This breaks remote access. To prevent this:

• Set a static IP during setup.
• Note the IP address and update your router’s port forwarding (if needed).
• Test remote access via Dahua’s mobile app (e.g., iDMSS).

I use a spreadsheet to track all my smart devices’ IPs. It’s saved me from countless headaches.

Firmware Mismatch After Reset

Rare, but possible. If your NVR behaves oddly after a reset, it might be running outdated firmware. Solution:

• Download the latest firmware from Dahua’s support site.
• Upload it via the web interface (System > Maintenance > Upgrade).
• Restart the NVR.

Always check the firmware version before and after a reset. It’s a small step that can prevent big problems.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Reset

Resetting your Dahua NVR2108-S2 isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a tool for recovery and renewal. Whether you’re fixing a glitch, securing your system, or preparing to sell, knowing how to reset it properly gives you peace of mind. I’ve reset my NVR more times than I can count, and each time, it’s like giving the system a fresh start.

But remember: preparation is everything. Back up your data, document your settings, and understand the reset type you need. A soft reset might be all you need for a minor hiccup, while a factory reset is for deeper issues. And if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dahua’s support or a local technician. There’s no shame in asking for help.

At the end of the day, your NVR is only as good as your ability to manage it. With this guide, you’re now equipped to handle a wiki Dahua NVR NVR2108-S2 reset with confidence. So take a deep breath, follow the steps, and get back to what matters—keeping your home or business safe, one reset at a time.

Reset Type	What It Resets	Data Loss?	Best For
Soft Reset	None (just reboots)	No	Minor freezes, UI glitches
Hard Reset	Temporary memory, network cache	No	System unresponsiveness
Physical Button Reset	Admin password, system settings	No (recordings safe)	Forgotten password
Factory Reset (Web)	All settings, recordings, users	Yes	Selling device, deep corruption

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset my Dahua NVR2108-S2 to factory settings?

To reset your Dahua NVR2108-S2, log in to the admin interface, go to System > Maintenance > Default Settings, and click “Restore Defaults.” Ensure you back up any important data before proceeding.

What is the default login for a Dahua NVR2108-S2 after a reset?

After a factory reset, the default username is admin and the password is blank (leave the field empty). You’ll be prompted to set a new password on first login.

How can I perform a hardware reset on my Dahua NVR2108-S2?

Locate the reset button (usually on the back or bottom panel), press and hold it for 10-15 seconds using a paperclip. The device will reboot automatically, erasing all configurations.

Why isn’t my Dahua NVR2108-S2 reset working properly?

This could occur if the reset button wasn’t held long enough or power was interrupted. Repeat the process, ensuring stable power and holding the button for at least 15 seconds. Check for firmware updates if issues persist.

Does the Dahua NVR2108-S2 reset delete recorded footage?

Yes, a factory reset erases all settings, user accounts, and recorded videos. Always back up footage via USB or network storage before resetting.

How do I reset the Dahua NVR2108-S2 password if I forgot it?

Use the Dahua Password Reset Tool (requires device serial number) or perform a hardware reset. For the latter, follow the physical reset steps above to restore default credentials.