What does the full reset option of the SMA do?

The full reset option of the SonicWall Secure Mobile Access (SMA) appliance is designed to restore the device to its default factory settings. This means that all customized configurations that have been put in place by the administrator will be erased, while only the base firmware version, which is the underlying software that runs on the device, will remain intact. This feature is particularly useful if you encounter issues that cannot be resolved through standard troubleshooting, as it allows you to start anew while keeping the firmware version for potential upgrades or reinstalls.

By performing a full reset, you effectively eliminate any changes made to network settings, user permissions, VPN configurations, and any other individualized settings. It’s an all-encompassing approach to revert the device to its original state without affecting the fundamental software driving the appliance's functionality. This is a necessary tool for administrators aiming to ensure that the SMA is functioning optimally or to prepare the device for a new configuration setup.