Dreambox DM900/DM920 Factory Reset and Recovery Mode Guide

Dreambox DM900 / DM920 Factory Reset and Recovery Mode

A factory reset clears all settings. In Recovery Mode, you can view device information, upload new firmware, run an online recovery, create a backup of your settings, and restore settings from a backup. Unlike older Dreambox models such as the Dreambox DM800HD, you no longer need the DreamUP program to manage or reflash your Dreambox. Everything is handled in a simpler, faster, and more intuitive way either directly on the box or via a standard web browser.

Reset / Factory reset

• Open the main menu by pressing the Menu button
• Select Setup
• Select System
• Select Restore factory settings

Your Dreambox will reset and reboot. The reset and reboot typically takes around 30 seconds. After the restart, your Dreambox will be in a “like new” state, meaning it will have no settings configured. Using “Restore factory settings” does not change the installed image (firmware) on the box. A factory reset only removes settings. If you need to install a new image on the box, you will need to use Recovery Mode.

Recovery Mode

In Recovery Mode, you can view information about your Dreambox, upload new firmware, run an online recovery, back up your settings, and restore settings from a backup.

Before you start, it is a good idea to locate and download the image you want to install. At dreamboxupdate.com you can find both the latest stable images and development versions. If you choose development versions, keep in mind that they may be unstable.

Choose the full image by clicking “Stable (Opendreambox 2.5)” under Firmware images. You will then be taken to the downloads page, where it is generally recommended to pick the latest release.

We recommend using original software only, as the manufacturer warranty may otherwise be affected. There is a large amount of third-party software available that can add new and interesting functions to the Dreambox DM900 and Dreambox DM920. With sufficient technical experience, it is possible to modify the box using software downloaded online. Due to the many variants, we cannot provide support for non-original software and we advise against using it, whether it is complete images or plugins.

Once your image is downloaded, you are ready to enter Recovery Mode and install the new image. Follow these steps:

IMPORTANT: The Dreambox must be connected via LAN cable, not WiFi.

You can enter Recovery Mode in multiple ways. If you have access to the box (picture on screen or display), go to Main Menu -> Standby/Restart -> Recovery Mode.

An alternative way to boot into Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the Dreambox using the power switch on the rear panel
2. Turn it back on using the same switch
3. Immediately touch the touch button and keep your finger on it until it stays permanently red (it starts by blinking purple)
4. An exclamation mark appears in the display - wait a few seconds until the box receives an IP address

Note: This method is time-critical. It may take a few attempts before you manage to enter Recovery Mode.

Regardless of the method, you can now control your Dreambox only from a web browser. Access the box by opening its IP address, for example http://192.168.1.22 (replace with the IP address assigned to your Dreambox). If you have used the web interface before, clear your browser cache to avoid loading old content.

To install a new image, choose “Firmware upload” and then select the image file you want to upload to the Dreambox:

After selecting the firmware, the upload process starts. A console log will be shown. When the log indicates that the box can be rebooted, the process is complete.

Updating the Rescue Loader

If you need to update the Rescue Loader on your Dreambox, the easiest method is via a Telnet connection. Once you have connected to the box, run the following command: update-rescue -v