Resetting the Password for NI Real-Time Targets

This article explains how to reset the password on NI Real-Time targets. The method differs depending on the operating system of the target. Please refer to Real-Time Controllers and Real-Time Operating System Compatibility to determine which operating system each real-time target is running.

Follow the relevant sections below, depending on whether the target is running Linux, Phar Lap ETS or VxWorks .
 

Non-Linux Real-Time Targets

First, check which version of LabVIEW Real-Time is installed and check which operating system the real-time target is running. Then, follow the steps below for the associated versions.
 

For LabVIEW Real-Time 2009 and older

Note: The password will be removed during this process. The IP configuration will need to be reconfigured. 

If the RIO device has physical DIP switches, follow these instructions: 

1. Set the IP RESET switch to ON.

2. Reboot the controller.

3. Set the switch to OFF.
    

If your RIO does not have DIP switches, follow these instructions:

1. Hold the RESET button until the STATUS LED turns solid orange or yellow.

2. Release the RESET button and the controller will restart. The STATUS LED will blink three times indicating that the controller is in Safe Mode.

3. Hold the RESET button again until the STATUS LED turns solid orange or yellow.

4. Release the RESET button and the controller will reset the password, reset the IP configuration, and restart in Safe Mode.

5. Find the RIO in NI Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX) and restart the controller into Normal Mode.
    

For LabVIEW Real-Time 2010 and newer

Note: After this process, the RIO will be usable without a password, but all files that were on the RIO will be lost in the process. 
 
The security settings of the RIO now carry through an IP reset. The RIO controller will have to be reformatted in order to clear the password. 
Reboot the controller into Safe Mode, by using the DIP switches or holding the RESET button as described above.

Reformat the controller in MAX by following How to Restore LabVIEW RT Target to Factory Default Configuration.

Linux Real-Time targets

Intel x64-based targets

For Intel x64-based targets, there are two different recovery utilities. One utility is in NI MAX as of LabVIEW 2019. The other one is using the NIRECOVERY.zip included in the Attachments section.
 

Note: This process will remove all user data previously stored on the target. 

To use the utility with your controller, you will need the following tools: 

• FAT16 or FAT32 USB drive with FAT on the first partition. 

• Monitor and display cables (to view the BIOS and format steps). 

• Mini DisplayPort Adaptor (if monitor does not have a DisplayPort). 

• USB Keyboard (to interact with BIOS and format process). 
   

Note: If you don't have the above tools (spare monitor and Mini DisplayPort Adaptor to access BIOS) or are using a NI Linux Real-Time target with no monitor (e.g. 905x), please move on to Creating the Reset USB from NIRECOVERY.zip section, for which you only need FAT16 or FAT32 USB drive.
 

Creating the USB Recovery Drive.

• If you are recovering a NI Linux Real-Time target with a monitor and keyboard, see Creating the Reset USB in NI MAX.

• If you are recovering a NI Linux Real-Time target without a monitor and keyboard, see Creating the Reset USB from NIRECOVERY.zip.
   

Creating the Reset USB in NI MAX.

To create the USB recovery utility from MAX: 

1. Install LabVIEW 2019 and the LabVIEW 2019 Real-Time Module. 

2. Plug USB storage device into the computer. 

3. Launch NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX). 

4. Select Tools >> Create NI Linux RT Recovery USB Drive. 

5. Select your USB storage device under Drive. 

6. Select Format after selecting the Disk Image. 

7. Once complete, eject the USB from the computer. 

8. When finished with the Linux RT controller reset, use Rufus to recover the USB drive, as it will not be discoverable by Windows.

Creating the Reset USB from NIRECOVERY.zip 

Use the steps below to create a USB drive from NIRECOVERY.zip (Attachments section) that can be used to reset the password on your controller (by formatting the target and reinstalling safe mode):

1. Extract the contents of the provided NIRECOVERY.zip file to the USB drive. 

2. Rename the USB drive to NIRECOVERY.

Once you have prepared the USB drive, there are two methods to reformat the controller. Option 1, used if recovery USB was created in NI MAX and user has access to controller's BIOS. If the steps in Option 1 do not work for your controller and the recovery USB was created from the NIRECOVERY.zip, proceed to Option 2. In both cases, ensure your controller is turned on when you begin following the instructions.
 

Option 1 - NI Linux Real-Time target with keyboard or monitor.

1. Plug the USB drive, keyboard, and monitor to the target. 

2. Reset the target (do not boot into safe mode by holding Reset button for 5 seconds). 

3. Press the Delete or F10 key while the target is restarting to enter the BIOS. 

4. In the BIOS go to the Boot tab and ensure that the UEFI USB drive is set as the first boot option.  
   Note: It is important that you correctly configure this boot option or the reformat will not work properly. 

   

5. Next move to the Save & Exit tab and proceed to Save Changes and Reset. When the target reboots it will begin the format process. 

6. The format process will start with a request, NI Real-Time Provisioning USB key. Continuing will partition, format and install safemode to the target. Type y and press enter to begin the partition and installation of the new safe mode. 

7. After the install completes you will see a Safe mode was successfully installed. message on the console. 

8. Next, the console says Remove the Recovery USB key before rebooting. Remove the USB and then reboot the target. 

9. The controller will now boot into safe mode. In MAX, the Status should read Safe Mode (No Software Installed). Now you can install software to the target and configure a new password if desired.
10. To recover the USB drive for future use, use Rufus or similar software on the PC to format USB drive to make it discoverable by Windows. Under Boot selection choose Non bootable option.

Intel ARM-based targets

Our Technical Support Engineering department will be able to assist customers who need to reset passwords on Linux Real-Time targets (ARM-based targets). To get in touch with a Technical Support Engineer, open a support request at NI Support.