Different "reset to default" methods, can anyone explain me the difference?

[pepemosca]

Hello,
I have a RT-AC66R.
I'm now using RT-AC66U_3.0.0.4_354.28-Beta1.

I'm trying to learn about this router.
I read that there are several methods to reset to default settings.
I would like if someone could explain me the difference.
Does all this methods clear all the settings? Does all this methods clear the NVRAM?

Thanks!


Method 1
http://192.168.1.1/Advanced_SettingBackup_Content.asp
Click on "Restore"

Method 2
www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Hard_reset_or_30/30/30
1. With the unit powered on, press and hold the reset button on back of unit for 30 seconds
2. Wihout releasing the reset button, unplug the unit and hold reset for another 30 seconds
3. Plug the unit back in STILL holding the reset button a final 30 seconds (please note that this step can put Asus devices into recovery mode...see note below!)

Method 3
From the ASUS Customer Support
Just press the >o< bottom for 30 seconds and wait to restart

Method 4
www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Hard_reset_or_30/30/30
Telnet (or SSH) into 192.168.1.1
erase nvram
reboot

Method 5
www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Hard_reset_or_30/30/30
Telnet (or SSH) into 192.168.1.1
mtd -r erase nvram

Method 6
http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showpost.php?p=66511&postcount=8
With the WPS button:
I'd push the button while the router is powered on
Then cut the power for 30-seconds
Then power-up while still depressing the WPS button.

 

[RMerlin]

Method 4 and 5 do not work under Asuswrt. The Asuswrt equivalent would be:

mtd-erase -d nvram

This method will totally erase the whole partition, so on the next reboot the CFE will repopulate it with all default values.

Method 1 does exactly the same thing.

Method 2 is a DD-WRTism. This is a long procedure that is intended to work on almost any router at all (some need a 5 secs wait, others need a 20 secs wait, etc...). There is no need to spend 2 minutes pressing buttons until your fingers bleed on an Asus router - it only needs 5-10 seconds wait, and the router can stay powered on while you do so. If you notice, Asus's method 3 is a subset of this method - you just don't need to wait 90 seconds.

Method 6 is done by the CFE, so I don't know how it works exactly (no source code for it). It's often useful because it will work even if you have corrupted settings or firmware that prevents the router from completely booting.

 

[pepemosca]

Great, so I'll keep using the Method 1.
Except if someday I cannot access the Web UI, I will use just the Method 3
Thanks!