Firmware file invalid or corrupted

DaneA
NETGEAR Employee Retired
Dec 29, 2016
okokok,

Shadow software is just one of the available application online that would make a PC become a TFTP server. You may use any other TFTP server software that you are already familiar with (for example: TFTPD32, Solarwinds TFTP server, etc.)

Let us know the results if you have already tried upgrading the firmware of the FVS318Gv2 via TFTP.

Regards,

DaneA

NETGEAR Community Team
- allwires
  Aspirant
  Dec 30, 2016
  I would like to confirm the reported problem of "firmware file invalid or corrupted". Today, I tried to upgrade my firmware using the method I have been using for years, and is outlined in the Release Notes. Simply stated, I would down load the firmware file, and upload it to the router, via a wired network. I have in the past used both Linux, and Windows machines without any difficultly. Until today. The TFTP server method as stated on the Netgear webpage, is to "reload firmware onto a NETGEAR router that won't boot due to corrupt firmware". My FVS318Gv2 router functions normally. It will boot normally, and it's firmware is not corrupted, as it functions normally in every way.
  
  The moderator suggested that the following questions be answered:
  
  a. What is the firmware version you are trying to upload to the FVS318Gv2?
  >>> From version 4.3.3-6 to 4.3.4-2 <<<
  
  b. Is the PC you are using to upgrade the firmware of the FVS318Gv2, directly connected to it?
  >>> Yes, after trying to upgrade my router firmware in the same manner as I have done so in the past, when that failed repeatedly, I connected my router directly to the PC(s). I try a linux machine with firefox, and a windows 10 machine with IE. <<<
  
  c. Have you tried to download again the firmware then upload it again to the FVS318Gv2?
  >>> Yes, Netgear provides 2 places to download firmware files, I used both software sources. Both firmware downloads failed for "firmware file invalid or corrupted". <<<
  
  d. Have you tried using other browsers like Firefox to access the web-GUI of the FVS318Gv2 then upload again the firmware?
  >>> Yes, I tried firefox on linux, and IE on Windows 10 <<<
  
  e. Have you tried using other PCs/laptops to isolate the problem?
  >>> Yes, I used 2 completely different PC machines. Both hardware, OS software was different, as well as Browsers. <<<
  
  Firmware Upgrade Process as stated in the "Release Notes"...
  
  Note: Reboot the firewall before beginning the update process.
  Select Administration > Settings Backup and Firmware Upgrade from the main/submenu.
  In the Router Upgrade section, click Browse.
  Locate the downloaded file and click Upload.
  This will start the software upgrade to your VPN firewall. This may take some time. Do not interrupt the upgrade process.
  At the conclusion of the upgrade, your firewall will reboot.
  
  I followed this procedure exactly, and have done it this way many, many times over the years.
  So, do I have to set up a TFTP server now??? Is that the solution, or could the firmware file actually be corrupted???
  
  Also... I have had the "invalid certificate error" as stated by okokok, but this has been a ongoing issue with the FVS318Gv2 router since purchase, it is easily corrected with Linux/Firefox, and I have been able to update firmware without issue, by just downloading the file, and uploading it to the router. No TFTP server needed.
  - allwires
    Aspirant
    Dec 30, 2016
    I am adding this additional post as supporting information, and questions for the Netgear Firmware Engineering team. Also, hopefully this will provide research information for customers seeking a solution to their firmware problems regarding the FVS318Gv2 router. It seems that in additional to the customers who have reported this firmware issue within this forum, other customers are noting it as well. This is a partial posting from a Amazon review for the FVS318Gv2 router device:
    
    >>>> BAD FIRMWARE! STAY AWAY FROM 4.3.3.6!!, October 9, 2016
    
    This review is from: NETGEAR ProSAFE FVS318G 8-Port Gigabit VPN Firewall (FVS318G-200NAS) (Personal Computers)
    
    I have two of these, and firmware upgrade fails on both of them. Current firmware is 4.3.3.6... After I installed 4.3.3.6 firmware, any further upgrades fail.
    
    The manufacturer commented on this review NETGEAR says:
    
    We apologize for your experience with the FVS318G-200NAS. There are a few steps we could recommend, if you haven't tried them yet. You may find them in the following link:
    http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22688/~/how-to-upload-firmware-to-a-netgear-router-using-tftp?cid=wmt_netgear_organic
    If you still need further assistance, you may reach us directly at netgearbusiness@netgear.com. We appreciate your business and thank you for your patience.
    Regards,
    NETGEAR Business <<<
    
    The TFTP server method as stated on the Netgear webpage, is to "reload firmware onto a NETGEAR router that won't boot due to corrupt firmware". Again, my FVS318Gv2 router functions normally. It will boot normally, and it's firmware is not corrupt, as it functions normally in every way. Is the TFTP server method a "known to be good" Netgear engineered solution??? I ask that because the moderator is seeking feedback to know if his suggest works. Also, it seems odd that Netgear would point it's customer to use a 3rd party solution to correct a very critical, and on going problem with their firmware. Are their any security implications for using a 3rd party software solution??? Any detailed information from Netgear to help me, and others understand the correct, and engineered solution to this known issue would be greatly appreciated. Maybe it would be helpful if this problem was brought to the attention of the Netgear Director/Manager of Firmware Engineering and Development for review???
    
    Thank you.

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