PR2100 - lost connection to network | Complete Guide

If your WD My Cloud PR2100 has lost connection to the network, it can disrupt data access, media streaming, backups, and remote file sharing. This issue may arise due to several factors, including network instability, firmware bugs, IP conflicts, or faulty hardware. Fortunately, you can often resolve the problem with some focused troubleshooting steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to do to get your PR2100 back online.

Start with Basic Checks

First, ensure your PR2100 is powered on and the power LED is solid blue. If the LED is off or flashing, you may be dealing with a hardware or power issue. Then, check that the Ethernet cable is securely connected from the PR2100 to your router or switch. You can try replacing the cable or switching to a different port on the router to rule out a physical connection issue.

Check the Network Environment

Network changes, such as a new router, firmware updates, or changed IP address settings, can cause your PR2100 to go offline. Use the front panel of the PR2100 to check the current IP address. If no IP is displayed or it’s a 169.x.x.x address, the device failed to obtain a valid IP from your router. Reboot both your router and the PR2100, then check if the IP address is reassigned.

Ensure your router’s DHCP server is enabled. If you had previously assigned a static IP, confirm it hasn’t been reassigned to another device. IP conflicts can cause the PR2100 to be unreachable.

Access Dashboard Locally

If the PR2100 is not visible in WD Discovery or over the network, try accessing it directly using its IP address in a web browser. If successful, log into the dashboard and navigate to Settings > Network. Ensure network mode is set to DHCP or reassign a valid static IP that doesn’t conflict with other devices on your network.

If the dashboard is inaccessible, try using the WD My Cloud Setup App or WD Access utility on your PC. These can help detect the device even if it’s not properly mapped on the network.

Check Firmware and System Health

Once you access the dashboard, check for any critical system notifications or firmware update alerts. Outdated firmware can cause network stability issues. If an update is available, download and install it. Also, under Settings > Utilities, run a system diagnostics test to check for hardware issues like drive failure or overheating that might cause instability.

Restart or Rebuild Network Configuration

If your PR2100 still won’t connect, consider performing a soft reset. To do this, use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button on the back of the unit for 4-5 seconds. This will reset network settings without erasing your data. The PR2100 should then attempt to obtain a new IP via DHCP.

If a soft reset doesn't help, log into the dashboard and go to Settings > Network > Network Services. Turn off and then re-enable services like FTP, SMB, and Remote Access. This often refreshes internal network processes and restores proper connectivity.

Final Troubleshooting Steps

Try connecting the PR2100 directly to your PC using an Ethernet cable. Assign a manual IP address to your PC in the same subnet range (e.g., PC: 192.168.0.10, PR2100: 192.168.0.11) and access the device dashboard via browser. If successful, this confirms the device is working and the issue lies within your home network.

Also check any antivirus, firewall, or VPN software that might be blocking local network discovery. Temporarily disable these tools and check again.

Conclusion

Losing network connectivity on your WD PR2100 can be frustrating, but most problems are easily resolved with basic diagnostics, network checks, firmware updates, and configuration resets. Ensuring your router assigns a proper IP and keeping the firmware up to date will help maintain long-term stability. If issues persist despite all steps, consider contacting WD support or initiating a full system restore if data backups are already in place.