Abstract: A software reset method that can be used to reset a network device 1 from a network connected computer 2 without relying on user name, password, IP or hardware button is described. It makes use of power up time and MAC address to validate a reset request. The effective state for listening for reset packet 8 will expire after a preset time. A reset request is only considered valid when it is received within a specified preset time after the network device power-up. Since persons have access to the hardware button are also able to power off/on the device, the power-up time could be used as an indication of hardware button pressed when combined with other packet information.