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FACTORY RESET THE ILC 2050 BI USING A CLEAN DIST

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Factory Default Using a Clean Distribution File

Training Module – With Timeline References

Applies To:
Phoenix Contact ILC 2050 BI
Niagara 4 Workbench (any 4.x version supported by SysMik/PXC firmware)

Purpose:
This guide walks through performing a clean distribution file installation on an ILC 2050 BI.
A clean dist resets the controller back to factory default state, exactly as delivered out‑of‑box.

Use this document in split‑screen mode with the official Phoenix Contact video for step‑by‑step reference.

Video Tutorial: Factory Resetting An ILC 2050 BI

NOTE:
If you want to watch the video while following along with the text notes, then right click and open the video in a new split screen window and the video should appear on the right of the notes so that you can follow along.

1. Overview (00:00–00:20)

At the start of the video, the presenter explains:

  • A clean distribution file returns the ILC 2050 BI to factory default configuration.

  • After install, the device behaves as if it is brand new.

2. Prerequisites (00:20–00:33)

Before starting, ensure you have:

✔ Niagara 4 Workbench Installed

Any supported N4 engineering tool version compatible with the ILC firmware.

✔ SysMik / Phoenix Contact ILC 2050 BI Drivers Installed

These are available under the Download section on the official product page.
They can also be downloaded from our Download Site:
Phoenix Contact - Forest Rock Downloads > Phoenix Contact

3. Log Into Platform (00:40–00:55)

  1. Open Niagara Workbench.

  2. Connect to the ILC via Platform connection.

  3. When in the platform sidebar, navigate to:

Platform → Distribution File Installer

This is where clean dist files are managed.

4. Selecting the Clean Distribution File (00:55–01:14)

  1. In the Distribution File Installer window, scroll to the bottom.

  2. Select the “Clean” or “Cleaning” option.

  3. Workbench displays available distribution files for this controller.

  4. Choose the non‑greyed‑out clean dist file.

  5. Click Install.

Workbench now begins the clean installation process.

5. Installation Process (01:14–01:32)

A status dialog appears showing:

  • Station shutdown

  • File writing

  • Firmware housekeeping

  • Controller restart

Notes:

  • Workbench automatically stops the running station.

  • The changes are committed to flash.

  • Controller performs an automatic reboot.

  • The process takes ~5 minutes (the video playback is sped up).

6. Reconnecting After Reboot (01:32–01:48)

Once the controller restarts:

✔ New Security Certificates

Workbench may prompt you to accept newly generated certificates, since the device has regenerated its trust store.

✔ Log In With Default Credentials

After a clean dist, the ILC returns to default platform credentials:

Platform Username: sysmik
Platform Password: intesa

7. Platform Defaults Wizard (01:48–01:55)

Upon your first login:

  • The Change Platform Defaults Wizard appears.

  • This is normal and confirms the controller is in factory-default state.

  • Set new credentials as required.

8. Completion (01:55–02:05)

Once the wizard is complete:

  • Your ILC 2050 BI is now fully factory reset.

  • You can recommission it exactly as you would a brand‑new controller.

9. Additional Notes

  • This method is the official Phoenix Contact/SysMik procedure for restoring an ILC to an as‑new state.

  • Always ensure you have backed up any required station or platform data before performing a clean distribution installation.

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