How to Factory Reset Anybus Defender

This procedure is relevant when a password is lost for the Anybus Defender and the device needs to be reset. NOTE: all configuration on the device will be lost and not recoverable. 

APPLICABLE PRODUCTS 

Anybus Defender Series 4000 and up

PRE-REQUISITES

USB drive and Physical Access to the Anybus Defender

Download file "config-factory-default.xml" here

1. Put the config file "config-factory-default.xml" on a USB drive with normal formatting e.g. FAT/FAT32. 
2. Insert the USB-drive in any of the USB ports on the Defender. 
3. Power cycle, or reboot and the device's configuration will be flashed with this configuration file. 
4. Note that all configuration previously present on the unit will be removed, however the license will remain.
5. After reboots connect to default IP https://192.168.200.1/ and use the default username and password (admin/defender) to gain access again. 
6. You can restart the setup wizard from the menu System -> Setup Wizard

EXPERT NOTES

Any XML config export can be used to perform this procedure. Note that the Admin password needs to be set to the following string "<bcrypt-hash>$2y$10$XRnCAj7oU6x8iVzf77A1y.7EOTMX3QOKwOpkVbOseTMOs1oE1UvgC</bcrypt-hash>"  to represent the default "defender"

Like in the <user> section below:

    <user>
            <name>admin</name>
            <descr>System Administrator</descr>
            <scope>system</scope>
            <groupname>admins</groupname>
            <bcrypt-hash>$2y$10$XRnCAj7oU6x8iVzf77A1y.7EOTMX3QOKwOpkVbOseTMOs1oE1UvgC</bcrypt-hash>
            <uid>0</uid>
            <priv>user-shell-access</priv>
        </user>

© HMS Networks AB 2026