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firmware_basics_procedures [2023/11/12 15:51] – [Flashing when Tomato is already installed.] -added (Fresh) hogwild | firmware_basics_procedures [2023/12/14 08:34] – fix typo - Asus RT-AC1900U is correct m_ars | ||
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{{:: | {{:: | ||
- | \\ \\ **What' | + | \\ \\ **What' |
In short, flashing is installing new firmware. On a device like a router, firmware is most of the basic programming code which runs most of the major functions on the device. This is similar to the installed operating system and programs on a PC. Similar to a PC, firmware updates are released to fix bugs, add new features, and increase security. The device can usually run without updates in a fairly stable way. However, you should understand the risks this may involve for your network. | In short, flashing is installing new firmware. On a device like a router, firmware is most of the basic programming code which runs most of the major functions on the device. This is similar to the installed operating system and programs on a PC. Similar to a PC, firmware updates are released to fix bugs, add new features, and increase security. The device can usually run without updates in a fairly stable way. However, you should understand the risks this may involve for your network. | ||
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\\ | \\ | ||
- | === Why flash firmware? === | + | === Why Flash Firmware? === |
Flashing firmware is usually done to fix bugs, improve stability or add new features to the device. In the case of FreshTomato, | Flashing firmware is usually done to fix bugs, improve stability or add new features to the device. In the case of FreshTomato, | ||
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For some models, Flash RAM is limited, so it’s also important you choose a build that takes up less storage space than is available. Otherwise, you could run out of Flash RAM and your hardware could be bricked. For help choosing a build that's appropriate for your hardware, see the [[: | For some models, Flash RAM is limited, so it’s also important you choose a build that takes up less storage space than is available. Otherwise, you could run out of Flash RAM and your hardware could be bricked. For help choosing a build that's appropriate for your hardware, see the [[: | ||
- | === What's "bricking" the router? Why is that a bad thing? === | + | === What's "Bricking" the Router? Why is that a Bad Thing? === |
" | " | ||
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* Never reboot your PC until a flash has completed. | * Never reboot your PC until a flash has completed. | ||
* Never disconnect the network connection with the router until the flash is completed. | * Never disconnect the network connection with the router until the flash is completed. | ||
- | * Never cancel/ | + | * Never cancel/ |
\\ Doing any of the above can result in a partial update. This may leave the firmware corrupted, which can damage how the device works or even "brick it", making it useless. | \\ Doing any of the above can result in a partial update. This may leave the firmware corrupted, which can damage how the device works or even "brick it", making it useless. | ||
- | === What's NVRAM and why should | + | === What's NVRAM and Why Should |
NVRAM is the part of non-volatile memory in routers where settings and parameters are stored. | NVRAM is the part of non-volatile memory in routers where settings and parameters are stored. | ||
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FreshTomato can sometimes retain some NVRAM variables (settings) even after you flash a new firmware image to your router. Therefore, it's very important to erase NVRAM before flashing. Doing so ensures that all variables from the existing firmware are erased before flashing begins. Erasing NVRAM before flashing is an important step that should NEVER be skipped. | FreshTomato can sometimes retain some NVRAM variables (settings) even after you flash a new firmware image to your router. Therefore, it's very important to erase NVRAM before flashing. Doing so ensures that all variables from the existing firmware are erased before flashing begins. Erasing NVRAM before flashing is an important step that should NEVER be skipped. | ||
- | === What's a "Dirty Flash" | + | === What's a "Dirty Flash"? Why Should |
A "dirty flash" is a flash which was performed without thoroughly wiping NVRAM before and after flashing. A dirty flash often leads to strange, unexplained symptoms, like web interface pages that don't display properly, " | A "dirty flash" is a flash which was performed without thoroughly wiping NVRAM before and after flashing. A dirty flash often leads to strange, unexplained symptoms, like web interface pages that don't display properly, " | ||
- | === How do I flash FreshTomato to my router/hardware? Which method should | + | === How Do I flash FreshTomato to my Router/hardware? Which Method Should |
There are several methods used to flash firmware on modern routers. The method you use depends on several things. | There are several methods used to flash firmware on modern routers. The method you use depends on several things. | ||
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- Under Advanced Settings, go to LAN. \\ \\ | - Under Advanced Settings, go to LAN. \\ \\ | ||
- Click on the "DHCP Server" | - Click on the "DHCP Server" | ||
- | - Disable DHCP. Beside " | + | - Disable DHCP. Beside " |
- Under Advanced Settings, go to Administration. \\ \\ {{:: | - Under Advanced Settings, go to Administration. \\ \\ {{:: | ||
- Click on the Firmware Upgrade tab. \\ \\ | - Click on the Firmware Upgrade tab. \\ \\ | ||
- Click Browse... and go select the FreshTomato image file appropriate for your router.\\ \\ {{:: | - Click Browse... and go select the FreshTomato image file appropriate for your router.\\ \\ {{:: | ||
- After selecting the appropriate image file to flash, click Upload. \\ \\ | - After selecting the appropriate image file to flash, click Upload. \\ \\ | ||
- | - You should now see a white progress indicator, with text below saying " | + | - You should now see a white progress indicator, with text below saying " |
- | - Wait until the upgrade process is 100% complete. Do NOT interrupt the process. \\ \\ | + | - When the upgrade process completes, reboot the router by turning it off and on again. \\ \\ |
- | - When the upgrade process completes, reboot the router | + | - Reset the router to defaults |
- | - Now, reset the router to factory | + | |
- The router will erase NVRAM and reboot again. It should now be ready for you to configure it for use. | - The router will erase NVRAM and reboot again. It should now be ready for you to configure it for use. | ||
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* SDK6 MIPS & ARM Models (like the Asus RT-N18U or RT-AC68U): \\ Since release 2022.3, you can upgrade from AsusWRT to FreshTomato or vice versa via the web interface. | * SDK6 MIPS & ARM Models (like the Asus RT-N18U or RT-AC68U): \\ Since release 2022.3, you can upgrade from AsusWRT to FreshTomato or vice versa via the web interface. | ||
* SDK7 routers (like RT-AC3200) and SDK714 routers (like the RT-AC5300, RT-AC3100): \\ Since release 2022.6, these models support upgrades via the web interface. | * SDK7 routers (like RT-AC3200) and SDK714 routers (like the RT-AC5300, RT-AC3100): \\ Since release 2022.6, these models support upgrades via the web interface. | ||
- | * Asus RT-AC19000U | + | * Asus RT-AC1900U |
\\ | \\ | ||
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To flash using the Firmware Restoration utility: | To flash using the Firmware Restoration utility: | ||
- | - Ensure an Ethernet cable is the only connection between your PC and the router. \\ Disconnect all other Ethernet cables from the router. Other connections can cause problems. \\ Some people have flashed firmware via a Wi-Fi connection. However, for maximum stability, | + | - Ensure an Ethernet cable is the only connection between your PC and the router. \\ Disconnect all other Ethernet cables from the router. Other connections can cause problems. \\ Some people have flashed firmware via a WiFi connection. However, for maximum stability, flash only via Ethernet. \\ Never attempt to flash firmware via a WAN connection. It involves |
- Download and install Asus Firmware Restoration from the Asus website | - Download and install Asus Firmware Restoration from the Asus website | ||
- In the Support section of the Asus website, find your router/ | - In the Support section of the Asus website, find your router/ | ||
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- Download the appropriate FreshTomato image file// // | - Download the appropriate FreshTomato image file// // | ||
- Download an appropriate FreshTomato image file for your router. \\ If you've read the Basic Concepts above, see the [[: | - Download an appropriate FreshTomato image file for your router. \\ If you've read the Basic Concepts above, see the [[: | ||
- | - Download the latest Asus firmware for your router. That way, if the FreshTomato flash fails, you can still flash back to Asus firmware. \\ Remember, without a working router, you might not be able to download firmware on your network until it's working again. \\ \\ | + | - Download the latest Asus firmware for your router |
- Clear the NVRAM | - Clear the NVRAM | ||
- | - Clear NVRAM by restoring factory defaults in the Asus interface. This resets | + | - Clear NVRAM by restoring factory defaults in the Asus interface. This resets settings to defaults and ensures |
- Click on the “Administration” menu. | - Click on the “Administration” menu. | ||
- Click on the “Restore/ | - Click on the “Restore/ | ||
- | - Beside “Factory Default”, click the Restore button. \\ \\ {{:: | + | - Beside “Factory Default”, click the Restore button. \\ \\ {{:: |
- To wipe NVRAM on most current Asus models using the hardware button method: | - To wipe NVRAM on most current Asus models using the hardware button method: | ||
- Unplug the AC adapter from the back of the router. | - Unplug the AC adapter from the back of the router. | ||
- Hold down the WPS button and reinsert the power connector. Continue to hold the WPS button for 30 seconds. | - Hold down the WPS button and reinsert the power connector. Continue to hold the WPS button for 30 seconds. | ||
- Release the WPS button. All front LEDs should blink once to signal that NVRAM was cleared. \\ If you have trouble, check the user manual or the manufacturer' | - Release the WPS button. All front LEDs should blink once to signal that NVRAM was cleared. \\ If you have trouble, check the user manual or the manufacturer' | ||
- | - Configure your PC with a static IP address and disable all WiFi interfaces on your PC.\\ In Rescue Mode, the DHCP server is not available, so your client will need a static IP address. | + | - Configure your PC with a static IP address and disable all WiFi interfaces on your PC.\\ In Rescue Mode, the DHCP server is not available, so your client will need a static IP address. |
- Enable Rescue Mode on the router. Typically, for Asus routers, this is done as follows: | - Enable Rescue Mode on the router. Typically, for Asus routers, this is done as follows: | ||
- Remove the AC adapter plug from the back of the router. | - Remove the AC adapter plug from the back of the router. | ||
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- The utility should begin scanning for your router device, then slowly uploading the firmware. \\ \\ | - The utility should begin scanning for your router device, then slowly uploading the firmware. \\ \\ | ||
- Wait until flashing is complete. **The progress bar is not accurate** regarding completion. | - Wait until flashing is complete. **The progress bar is not accurate** regarding completion. | ||
- | - The router should now respond to communications. Open a web browser to 192.168.1.1 and net mask: 255.255.255.0 . \\ You should see a login screen. Enter username: “root”, and password “admin” to log on.\\ \\ | + | - The router should now let clients connect. Open a web browser to 192.168.1.1 and net mask: 255.255.255.0 . \\ You should see a login screen. Enter username: “root”, and password “admin” to log on.\\ \\ |
- From within FreshTomato, | - From within FreshTomato, | ||
- Under Administration, | - Under Administration, | ||
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- Reboot the router once or twice more. | - Reboot the router once or twice more. | ||
- | - Clear your browser cache before putting the router into operation. Web browsers may cache data that shouldn' | + | - Clear your browser cache before putting the router into operation. |
- Refresh the page. Any problems caused by cached browser data should be gone. | - Refresh the page. Any problems caused by cached browser data should be gone. | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
If problems persist, try the following: | If problems persist, try the following: | ||
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[[https:// | [[https:// | ||
- | This .zip file has the following MD5SUM value: | + | This .zip file has the following MD5SUM value: |
\\ | \\ | ||
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- Power on the router. Wait 2-5 minutes for it to finish booting. \\ \\ | - Power on the router. Wait 2-5 minutes for it to finish booting. \\ \\ | ||
- Reset the router to defaults by holding down Reset with a paperclip for 30 seconds. Follow the user guide for specifics.\\ \\ {{:: | - Reset the router to defaults by holding down Reset with a paperclip for 30 seconds. Follow the user guide for specifics.\\ \\ {{:: | ||
- | - Wait again 2-5 minutes until the router finishes rebooting. \\ \\ | + | - Wait again 2-5 minutes until the router finishes rebooting. |
- | - Open a Web browser and enter: 192.168.1.1 . Log on with your current Username/ | + | - Open a Web browser and enter: 192.168.1.1 . Log on with your current Username/ |
- | - Now disable DHCP. Go to Advanced--> | + | - Now disable DHCP. Go to Advanced--> |
- Go to the Advanced TAB > Administration > Router update. \\ \\ {{:: | - Go to the Advanced TAB > Administration > Router update. \\ \\ {{:: | ||
- | - Browse to the .CHK file above (freshtomato-R7000-20xx.x-initial-64K.chk) then click UPLOAD. \\ \\ | + | - Browse to the .CHK file above (freshtomato-R7000-20xx.x-initial-64K.chk) then click UPLOAD. |
- When prompted to continue, click OK. \\ \\ {{:: | - When prompted to continue, click OK. \\ \\ {{:: | ||
- | - At the Router Update Warning screen, click YES. Then, the screen shows: "The Router is updating its firmware" | + | - At the Router Update Warning screen, click YES. Then, the screen shows: "The Router is updating its firmware" |
- The Router Update screen then shows: " | - The Router Update screen then shows: " | ||
- Wait 2-5 minutes until presented with a login. **Do NOT** log on. | - Wait 2-5 minutes until presented with a login. **Do NOT** log on. | ||
- If your PC's IP address changes to 169.254.x.x, | - If your PC's IP address changes to 169.254.x.x, | ||
- | - Wait 5 minutes, and proceed with the next step.\\ \\ | + | - Wait 5 minutes, and proceed with the next step.\\ \\ \\ \\ |
- | - Press the Reset button once briefly with a paper clip. \\ \\ {{netgear-r7000-reset-button.jpg? | + | - Press the Reset button once briefly with a paper clip. \\ \\ {{netgear-r7000-reset-button.jpg? |
- | - While the router reboots, configure your PC with a static IP address of 192.168.1.9 and a gateway of 192.168.1.1 . | + | - While the router reboots, configure your PC with a static IP address of 192.168.1.9 and gateway of 192.168.1.1 . |
- | - This step may not be necessary, as the router should be running DHCP, and should assign your PC an IP address. \\ \\ | + | - This step may not be necessary, as the router should be running DHCP, and should assign your PC an IP address. |
- Ping the router' | - Ping the router' | ||
- Wait until the ping results show that it rebooted (" | - Wait until the ping results show that it rebooted (" | ||
- | - Flashing is finished, and with the router rebooted, you can connect to its Web interface. \\ \\ | + | - Flashing is finished, and with the router rebooted, you can connect to its Web interface. |
- In a web browser, enter: 192.168.1.1 . Enter Username: " | - In a web browser, enter: 192.168.1.1 . Enter Username: " | ||
- If this fails: | - If this fails: | ||
- Use a private browser (incognito) window. | - Use a private browser (incognito) window. | ||
- Clear the browser cache. | - Clear the browser cache. | ||
- | - You probably didn't reset the device, or you didn't wait long enough. Please repeat Step 13. \\ \\ | + | - You probably didn't reset the device, or you didn't wait long enough. Please repeat Step 13. \\ \\ \\ \\ |
- | - You should now be logged in. You should see " | + | - You should now be logged in. You should see " |
- | - Under Configuration > Restore Default Configuration > select "Erase all data in NVRAM memory" | + | - Under Configuration > Restore Default Configuration > select "Erase all data in NVRAM memory" |
- You should see: " | - You should see: " | ||
- Eventually, the initial build is installed and NVRAM cleared. Now, upgrade to a normal build. \\ \\ | - Eventually, the initial build is installed and NVRAM cleared. Now, upgrade to a normal build. \\ \\ | ||
- | - Continue (or open) 192.168.1.1 in a browser window. \\ \\ | + | - Continue (or open) 192.168.1.1 in a browser window. \\ \\ \\ |
- | - Under Administration > Firmware Upgrade, click Browse... and find the .TRX firmware file above. | + | - Under Administration > Firmware Upgrade, click Browse... and find the .TRX firmware file above. |
- | - This was the .trx file at the time this was written. Select it. Now, click Upgrade. \\ \\ | + | - This was the .trx file at the time this was written. Select it. Now, click Upgrade. |
- | - Wait..You will see a timer, and: " | + | - Wait..You will see a timer, and: " |
- | - Wait...You' | + | - Wait...You' |
- | - Eventually, you'll be asked to Click " | + | - Eventually, you'll be asked to Click " |
- | - Under Administration > Configuration > select "Erase all data in NVRAM memory", | + | - Under Administration > Configuration > select "Erase all data in NVRAM memory", |
- | - You should see: " | + | - You should see: " |
- | - Eventually, you should be be prompted to click " | + | - Eventually, you should be be prompted to click " |
- You should now be back at the Upgrade Firmware menu. The flashing process is complete. \\ \\ | - You should now be back at the Upgrade Firmware menu. The flashing process is complete. \\ \\ | ||
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=== When FreshTomato is already installed === | === When FreshTomato is already installed === | ||
- | If you already have FreshTomato installed on your Netgear, you can upgrade to newer releases using regular build files. These .zip files contain firmware files ending with the .trx file extension. | + | If you already have FreshTomato installed on your Netgear, you can upgrade to newer releases using regular build files. These .zip archives |