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Forum Discussion
EX7000 | Firmware Upgrade EX7000-V1.0.1.78 | Failure to connect to internet
Just spent an entire day trying to troubleshoot an error encountered after upgrading my firmware to EX7000-V1.0.1.78. I've configured my device to extend a 5GHz network not broadcasting SSID. Manuall...
Adding my $0.02 - I also recently upgraded to FW V1.0.1.78_1.0.140 and it resulted in a non-working extender. It's been happily working for two years, most recently with FW V1.0.0.62_1.0.122 upgraded in May. I'm using it as an extender for a Netgear C3700-100NAS base.
After receiving the email about the security fix I upgraded using the extender UI. Afterwards, it seemed to reconnect to the C3700 (I was logged in via a computer ethernet-attached to the C3700 base, so it was provably connected at least in that direction), however devices which connect to the extender are no longer able to get to the base. Connected devices complain that the access point "has no internet connection" (e.g. iPhone 8, Win10 laptop), or are not able to connect via WiFi at all (Amazon cloud cam, Nest). After several power cycles I reset to factory settings using the reset button, after which I was not able to connect to it at all. I used a wired connection to reconfigure it, and now it's back to being "partially" connected - can log in via the DHCP address from something connected to the base, but devices either can't connect to the extender via WiFi (either band) or connect and say "no internet". Note that running Genie on a laptop connected to the extender fails to log in (the WiFi drops), though I can log in to the regular web UI.
In the extender UI, it says it is connected to the base (both 2.4 and 5 Ghz), for example:
Connection to Existing Network (2.4GHz)
- Signal Strength: 144 Mbps
- Name (SSID): FT-xxxxx-2G
- Connection Status: Connected
But it is useless - devices either can't connect to the WiFi or can, and sense no internet. But clearly the connection to the base is established as I'm able to log in to the extender UI from the base.
I guess I'll be downgrading the firmware also, what a waste of time. I think there's an Eero setup in my near future.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Just an addendum for those who get bitten by this bug - I downgraded the firmware, reconfigured, and it is back to working normally. Definitely something about the V1.0.1.78_1.0.140 firmware is broken, at least for my mode of use.
- Thanks; I am a novice (62 years old) at these upgrades. Thought I was doing the right thing by doing the upgrade.
Would someone explain the steps to going back to the old version so I can get my extender working again. I would really appreciate it. ThanksLab22: from a PC, download an older firmware version here: https://www.netgear.com/support/product/EX7000.aspx#download (make sure to select older versions - FYI I went back to 1.0.0.62 since it was my last known working - the .66 version may be fine too). Extract the ".chk" file from the downloaded zip file to somewhere handy. Log into the extender (any way you can, direct wire if needed) - and go to the firmware tab and use the "Upload Update File" box - browse to the ".chk" file you extracted and click Upload. After a few minutes the router should reboot - you may need to go through setup, or it may revert to your last working settings. Good luck!
Thanks to all who provided hint on software downgrade. I had the same problem last week. It was unbelivably frustrating. After changing software version back to Firmaware 1.0.0.66, which is very easy, extender works as before and is actually excellent. I do not understand why NETGEAR is not removing the new version of Firmware or change it to a functional one.