How to Reboot a Nortel Phone System

When a phone system is having trouble, such as the lines are not operating or the desk telephones are not working properly, often the first troubleshooting task should be performing a reboot. But how is this done? Of course, the steps will vary by the type of system, so we will limit the conversation here to Nortel products.

Even though Nortel Networks ceased to be a company in 2008, there are still many thousands of businesses using their old products for their telephone systems. The most common Nortel systems (sometimes branded as Norstar, Meridian, AT&T, and Bell South) were:

• Nortel BCM
• Norstar 8 x 24
• Norstar MICS
• Norstar CICS
• Norstar Meridian

If you are not sure which system you have in your office, then take a look at the photos in each entry and that should guide you to the right set of instructions. So let’s take a look at each product and the steps required (scroll down to below the contact form for instructions on rebooting your Nortel telephone system).

Before we get started, if you feel uncomfortable following thee steps outlined below, give us a call at 800-226-3389 or contact us through the form below and we can assist over the phone or dispatch a tech if you prefer.

How to Reboot and Restart a Nortel BCM 50/200/400

1. If you have access to the management software, this can be done from Unified Manager by clicking on the word System on the main menu.
2. Click logoff on the pulldown menu at the top of the screen.
3. Move down and click reboot.
4. Click Yes on the popup window.
5. The BCM will now reboot. (DO NOT CLICK “Shutdown” as this will switch your BCM off. After a shutdown it can only be restarted by switching the power to the CCU OFF then back ON again. However, if you are needing to perform a SHUTDOWN restart, then this operation is ideal.)

Note: During a reboot your telephones will still work but all the BCM’s applications will be restarted so applications such as voicemail will stop working until the BCM has finished rebooting. A progress bar will show the estimated time for the reboot to be completed. To access Unified Manager after a reboot you will need to restart your browser and log in again.

How to Reboot and Restart a Nortel or Norstar 8×24

The Nortel Meridian line is old,  in fact, it is closing in on 30 years since the system was made, but CSM South still sees them out in the field. If you need to complete a restart of the system, but very cautious as it is likely to lose some programming.

• Locate the power cord on the box
• Follow it to the wall
• Unplug the cord from the wall
• Wait 30 seconds, and plug back in
• Say a prayer and wait for it to hopefully come back up!

How to Reboot or Restart a Nortel/ Norstar MICS

The Norstar MICS telephone system was manufactured for a very long time, and as such was one of the most popular phone systems sold by Nortel. Again, because of the age of these systems, resetting should be done with extreme caution. Instructions are identical to the 8×24, which is almost exactly the same system.

• Locate the power cord on the box
• Follow it to the wall
• Unplug the cord from the wall
• Wait 30 seconds, and plug back in
• Say a prayer and wait for it to hopefully come back up!

How to Reboot or Restart a Norstar CiCS

The Norstar CiCS was a very popular telephone system for small businesses- back in the 1990- early 200’s. Again, as with the last two entries, please be cautious as it may lose programming, though it seems to do better with a reset than the Meridian branded products did. Instructions mirror the MiCS system.

• Locate the power cord on the box
• Follow it to the wall
• Unplug the cord from the wall
• Wait 30 seconds, and plug back in
• Wait for the phone system to come back up!

CSM South is based in Tampa, Fl and Austin TX, from where we sell and service new and refurbished phone systems, both cloud VoIP and premise based.