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glnc222's avatar
glnc222
Aspirant
Sep 28, 2020
Solved

Incorrect Update Instructions Nighthawlk

Instructions for firmware updating with browser instead of phone are incorrect.  It says to connect the PC to the router with an ethernet cable.  When this is done, the login page says it must be con...
antinode's avatar
antinode
Guru
Sep 28, 2020

> [...] Nighthawlk

 

   Not a model number.  Look for "Model" on the product label.

 

> [...] the login page says it must be connected by WiFi. [...]

 

   What, exactly, does this "the login page" say?  Possibly relevant:

 

      https://community.netgear.com/t5/x/x/m-p/1976674

 

> [...] The instructions say [...]

 

   _Which_ "The instructions"?

 

> [...] Which password is this? [...]

 

   Visit http://netgear.com/support , put in your (actual) model number,
and look for Documentation.  Get the User Manual.  Read.  Look for
"Types of Logins".  Further reading might not hurt, either.


> [...] As the router is working it seems best to pass on this update
> [...]

 

   _Which_ "the router"?  _Which_ "this update"?

  • glnc222's avatar
    glnc222
    Aspirant
    Sep 29, 2020

    Netgear router R6080 Nighthawk.  An email received advising to update firmware with new version released for security improvements, with links to articles on Nighthawk phone app updating and updating with web browser.  They log into the router using web address routerlogin.net or routerlogin.com, which displays a request to enter username (default admin), and a password -- or click "cancel" to show a password reset form (which instructions say will display the password but does not, just resets it), using serial number.  The product label also shows a password, which doesn't work anymore.

    My guess is this is a password for router configuration as opposed to the password used by devices to access WiFi internet, but they don't make this clear.  I find no explanation of how this thing works, but the initial setup instructions work, so not messing with it.

    When connecting to routerlogin.net with an ethernet cable, it shows an error screen saying the connection must be by WiFi, despite the instruction article saying to use a cable.  Obviously the phone app connects via WiFi.

     

    • antinode's avatar
      antinode
      Guru
      Sep 29, 2020

      > [...] An email received [...]

       

         Not by me.  With my weak psychic powers, I can't read your e-mail.

       

      > [...] They log into the router using web address routerlogin.net or
      > routerlogin.com, [...]

       

         That doesn't always work, as explained in the above-cited thread
      (along with alternatives):

       

      >       https://community.netgear.com/t5/x/x/m-p/1976674

       

      > [...] The product label also shows a password, [...]

       

         Again, I can't see at what you're looking.

       

         I'd expect the product label to show two (different) types of "a
      password", as explained in the User Manual, under "Types of Logins", as
      suggested above.


      > [...] it shows an error screen saying the connection must be by WiFi,
      > despite the instruction article saying to use a cable. [...]

       

         Which is why it has been described (in the above-cited thread) as
      "what may be the worst error message in the world".

       

         Yes, some Netgear documentation stinks.  You could pout or complain
      about this.  Or, you could find and read additional information which
      should let you get on with the task at hand.