Verizon Router Password Problem

[BobInVa1]

I can't access my ActionTec MI424-WR Rev E router because it will not accept my userid/password.  I use several variants on the same password and it will accept none of them. 

I know that I can reset the router (and have done so), but that wipes out all of my network device IDs, rules, port forwarding, etc.  I've added all these configuraton settings over the last couple of years and can't afford to lose them mainly because I can't remember most of it. 

I have a recent saved router configuration file that I've tried restoring.  But after applying the saved configuration and rebooting the router, I still cannot login.  I opened the saved configuration file in a text editor in hopes of being able to find the userid/password, but the contents appear to be encrypted.  Does anyone know how Verizon encrypts the ActionTec router configuration files?

If I restored the configuration settings from the saved file, I wonder if Verizon is able to reset the userid/password remotely without losing the configuration settings? 

Welcome any other suggestions.  Thanks. 

[Roadking10453]

Bob my friend, methinks you're hozed.

I'm not sure VZ can even remotely reset a router..most you can reboot them but actually reset a configuration usually takes a local access to prevent security issues, stealing info, etc.

I know on my netgear router, if I do a hard reset it defaults to the user/password it came with and then I can load the configuration and change things as needed. Have you tried it that way or does it block you once the new configuration is loaded?

[BobInVa1]

Yes, I did a hard reset on the ActionTec, after which it prompted me to enter a new userid and password.  After I did that and logged into the router, I found that most of my configuration settings were gone. 

So I went into Advanced Settings/Configuration, browsed to the saved configuration file, loaded it, and clicked the Apply button.  The end result of that process is the router reboots, after which I'm locked out again. 

I was hoping that, with the saved configuration file loaded, there might be a way for Verizon to reach out and force a p/w reset sort of like the way a network admin can if you lock yourself out of a Windows network.

Otherwise, I'm left trying to find a hack into the router -- ugh. 

[Roadking10453]

yeah, I was afraid you were going to say that, once the saved config got reloaded you were toast.

Well, you can try VZ for remote access, I know the ports are setup on the westell to allow access but I don't know if they have a backdoor Id/password or not. sorry...good luck!

[jmw1950]

I don't know whether Verizon has some sort of master password, or there is a 'hook' in the firmware, but I do know that Verizon can remotely reset passwords. I do some work for a Verizon Business Customer, and because he head never bothered to change it from admin/passwd, Verizon reset the password to the factory setting, and sent him an email telling him they had done it.

[BobInVa1]

Thanks.  I'll have to give that try.  Hopefully it's not something limited to business customers. 

[Roadking10453]

well thats certainly encouraging but remember, commercial routers are usually far superior (read feature rich) than consumer stuff but its certainly worth a shot! call em (and be prepared  for a lengthy call and having to explain what you want multiple times)

[BobInVa1]

I'm live-chatting with Ramya right now. 

[Roadking10453]

excellent! post the resolution for the rest of us when you get a chance, thanks! good luck eh!

[BobInVa1]

Ramya was unable to help, and got supervisor Ravi.   Ravi was unable to help either.  According to him, Verizon technical support cannot access the router and change 'advance settings' such as UserIDs and passwords.  So I thanked him for trying to help me and logged off live chat.