How to reset a FortiGate with the default factory settings

Products

FortiGate v5.0

FortiGate v5.2

FortiGate v5.4

Description

This article explains how to restart a FortiGate to factory defaults.

This procedures clears all changes made to the FortiGate configuration and resets the system to its original configuration  with the default factory settings.

It does not change the firmware version or the antivirus or IPS  attack definitions.

Scope

Basic FortiGate Management.

Solution

A FortiGate Device can be reset to Factory defaults by using either the GUI or the CLI interface.

GUI

The reset to factory settings using the GUI is not available in v5.4.

1) Access the system using a web browser.

2) In the navigation tree, go to System> Dashboard> Status, and select the Revisions link for the System Information Widget.

3) Click on Restore Factory Default.

4) System will reboot and load basic configuration.


CLI

1) Open a SSH to the system and execute the following command:

exec factoryreset 

2) A warning will appear. 

This operation will reset the system to factory default!
Do you want to continue? (y/n)

3) System will reboot and will load a basic configuration.