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RAX45 Firmware update failure
I've got a Netgear AX4300 Model RAX45, bought just over a year ago. Was running firmware version RAX45-V1.0.11.112_2.0.77 successfully. Updated the firmware to RAX45-V1.0.12.120_2.0.83 and lost all Wi-Fi function. Reloaded V1.0.11.112_2.0.77 and now lost all ability to login to the webserver, all I get is a Netgear splash screen prompting me to install the Nighthawk smart phone app.
I've attempted to flash using tftp, both from a command prompt and using Tftpd64. Both methods fail with "connect request failed" error. The Netgear instructions for tftp say:
- Wait for the Power LED to light orange and start flashing.
- When the Power LED is flashing...
What I've noticed is that when I turn on the router, the power LED comes on solid Red (orange?) and never flashes, eventually turning White after bootup completes. I don't remember it ever flashing during restarts anytime in the last year. The router does seem to continue booting successfully and both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz as well as the ethernet port my computer is connected to light up. Perhaps the documentation was written way before the RAX45 came out and it's not accurate for this model or my recollection is incorrect and something wrong prevents tftp from working now.
I'll mention here that I'm a retired IT Tech and usually can work my way through issues like this. That said, I'm open to any suggestions on how to proceed at this point. Thanks for any help.
First, thanks to everyone who responded to my query. I tried several suggestions and still had corrupted firmware. I did, however, find a great solution surfing through YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXhMgQS5k1o. This came from Richard Lloyd's channel. The process that he describes in over 30 minutes of detailed instructions worked for me. It definitely isn't an official Netgear process nor is the preparation quick. Richard's video can be tough to follow, he speaks quickly so I slowed playback speed to 0.75% and turned on CC and that helped make it easier to follow. I took detailed notes. It's a very involved process, you have to download a couple files and follow the command syntax exactly but it brought back my bricked router. He demonstrates with a router that he intentionally bricked by pulling power in the middle of a firmware flash. If anyone out there has a bricked router laying around you might try this.
6 Replies
Try a 30-30-30 reset as last resort?
FURRYe38, I'm game to try a 30-30-30 reset but confess I'm not familiar with the process. Can you elaborate how to perform?
Whipsnade wrote:FURRYe38, I'm game to try a 30-30-30 reset but confess I'm not familiar with the process. Can you elaborate how to perform?
Use your web browser search engine for 30-30-30 reset process and you will get lots of answers. Pay close attention to the caution statements. I would recommend this be your action of last resort just before tossing the router in the recycle bin.
Some suggestions before you get to that point.
Please confirm you are connecting to your router with a real computer, Ethernet cable, and a web browser. Stay far away from applications on mobile devices.
When you updated or rolled back your firmware, were you connected to your router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet?
Have you performed a firmware default reset on your RAX45? The manual uses the term "factory" reset but it lost something in translation.
When connecting to the router after a reset, you should be able to scroll down at the splash screen with the option to indicate no phone.
In the last configuration with the power light on solid white and the Wi-Fi lights on, did the internet connection light come on?
What is the brand name and model number of the modem/gateway/ONT that is upstream of your RAX45?
You should be able to connect your computer direct to the router with nothing else plugged in to the router. Use the router IP address in the web browser address. If it asks you to configure password recovery, take a pass and write your password down.
