Rebooting...Do Not Operate

Here is a question I've wondered about every time I reboot my router. I'll start the reboot process and this message always appears:
"Rebooting...
Please do not operate during this process."
So, if my wife is on her laptop I always tell her not to do anything on the Internet until the rebooting process stops. But now I think maybe the message is just for me and the computer I'm on that initiated the reboot and not anyone else who may be on another device. Or perhaps anyone requesting Internet dialog will interrupt the reboot process. (See the last sentence in this post for the reason I am rebooting occasionally.)


I'm on my Asus Desktop model M32AD-US019S (new 2015) in the System 2 specs tab. The router is a TP Link Archer AC1200 A6 v2.0 (also quite a few years old) with latest firmware.

I guess I'll wait and start a new thread about my internet connection dropping of too frequently even though the router says it is connected to the Internet and the modem (a Netgear Model CM500-100NAS, Firmware Version v1.01.15, has all the lights running indication there is no connection issue!

Someone else using the internet will not interrupt the reboot. In fact, they likely won’t be able to use the internet while the router is rebooting.

I suppose maybe you, on the device that initiated the reboot, could interrupt it by navigating away from that page, but you would have to be quick about it. Reboots happen pretty soon after you request one, in my experience.

Also, if your router has the option, you may be able to schedule a reboot during off hours.

A reboot interrupts internet connection to all devices connect either wired or wirelessly to that router.

starchase said:

now I think maybe the message is just for me and the computer I'm on that initiated the reboot

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Nope. And I believe the message is only related to the router, not what you do on your PC

Rebooting my ASUS for instance. I reboot via a connection to my Router through a web page.
When rebooting, nothing I do on my PC can affect the process because there is no longer a connection to the router to do anything, until it reboots. You could in fact even reboot your PC while the router is rebooting, with no affect.

Yep. I think the reason for those messages is probably because there is code, in the reboot web page or button handler, to wait x number of seconds and refresh the page. If you navigate away from the page, or refresh, or some similar thing, you will disrupt that flow of the web page.

Thanks all, I am reassured. I assume as well that this includes while firmware is being updated.
I do have the scheduled reboot option on this router and I turned it off. Maybe I'll just change the appointed time from 3AM (since my wife is often watching a film) to something like 6AM.

starchase said:

Thanks all, I am reassured. I assume as well that this includes while firmware is being updated.

Click to expand...

Of course.

Why are you rebooting all the time anyway?

markw51 said:

Why are you rebooting all the time anyway?

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The intricate proclivity of an individual to harbor an insatiable aspiration toward the attainment of a specific endeavor can be attributed to an amalgamation of multifaceted psychological, sociocultural, and neurophysiological determinants. These factors intricately coalesce within the labyrinthine recesses of human consciousness, often catalyzed by an acute awareness of personal deficits, latent potentialities, or externally imposed exigencies.
Furthermore, the perpetuation of such desires is frequently augmented by the interplay of dopaminergic reward circuits and the inherent human penchant for self-actualization, as delineated in Maslow's hierarchical construct. Consequently, this amalgam engenders a fervent impetus, propelling the individual to transcend quotidian complacency in pursuit of their envisioned objective, irrespective of obfuscating impediments or adversarial contingencies.

OR

Rebooting a computer is a simple yet powerful way to keep it running smoothly. It clears out temporary files and processes that may be hogging system resources or causing slowdowns, refreshes the operating system by applying updates or fixes, and resolves minor glitches that build up over time. It's like giving your computer a fresh start, ensuring it can function efficiently and effectively! Regular reboots can also help prevent software conflicts and prolong the device's performance life. It's a quick fix with big benefits!

OR

Because they want to?

markw51 said:

Why are you rebooting all the time anyway?

Click to expand...

We have Comcast connection issues concerning the Internet; TV is not (usually) an issue concerning dropouts. The Netgear modem Model CM500-100NAS will show all lights working as normal but WiFi connection will be lost. It is up and down. My ASUS desktop will show Internet connection via the icon in the taskbar tray, and I'll have Internet access, but then will lose it. Being at a loss to explain these incongruities I usually resorted to rebooting the router ( TP Link Router AC1200 Archer A6, a few years old) and that seemed to restore connection, though, frankly it may have just been coincidence. But this evening it is clear the router is not a part of the current issue as when I subsequently unplugged the modem to see if that would restore service the modem had difficulties connecting. In fact after spending frustrating time with the Comcast recording I unplugged the modem again and after a loooong wait it came back on line and service is up and I can type this reply to you.

I thought I may need to replace the router and had bought a new TP Link on Amazon, TP-Link Dual-Band AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router Archer AX55, but when I set up the new router my wife couldn't connect to Discord though other usual web sites worked. Discord didn't recognize the machine she uses so I returned to new router and put the A6 back in service.

I wish there was a decent alternative to Comcast for Internet, but that's the way of the world!

So this is my story. It is frustrating.

Rebooting periodically may not fix your current issue, but routers are just special purpose computers. Computers should be rebooted occasionally for the same reason toilets should be flushed.

I have Comcast as well and WIFI issues are the router not the modem.
When you changed to a different router it would have changed your public IP address due to the MAC address of the device (router) changing so for Discord it may have been just clearing browser cache/cookies.
Also, with Comcast anytime you change the router or whatever device that is directly connected to the modem you must reboot the modem as otherwise you will have no connection because MAC address changed.
Comcast allows only one MAC address to bind to the modem at a time and a reboot clears this.

KevTech said:

I have Comcast as well and WIFI issues are the router not the modem.
When you changed to a different router it would have changed your public IP address due to the MAC address of the device (router) changing so for Discord it may have been just clearing browser cache/cookies.
Also, with Comcast anytime you change the router or whatever device that is directly connected to the modem you must reboot the modem as otherwise you will have no connection because MAC address changed.
Comcast allows only one MAC address to bind to the modem at a time and a reboot clears this.

Click to expand...

Thanks. Yep, good suggestion concerning clearing the cache and cookies for Discord. Concerning the modem, I was required to reboot the modem during the install of the new router. That's why I had no issues accessing my normal sites like this one. I should have taken the time to clear my wife's laptop as you indicate, but didn't even think of that.

A lot of people like TP-Link but I have not as I find the UI limited and WIFI subpar at times.
Since 2012 I have only used Asus routers as I feel their UI has the most user changeable options.
I also do not use smart connect features on routers as I prefer to have separate SSID for the WIFI bands.

Asus Example UI

for just a matter of interest.
is the router close to any electrical appliances or strong power outlets as that can interfere with the WiFi signal.
also the location of the router can make a difference i have mine on a shelve above the furniture so its signal isn't blocked by anything.
its only a small Plume plug type router attached to a fibre control box but the signal is very strong throughout the whole house.

also just to note. all my desktop systems in the house are setup with manual IP addressing which takes DHCP out of the equation.
just a few thoughts on the matter. best of luck, Steve ..