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Forum Discussion
M3TALHEAD
Jun 13, 2020Tutor
Latest Update Bricked My R8000 Router
The latest firmware update (R8000-V1.0.4.52_10.1.67) bricked my router! I am using the R8000 Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Smart WiFi Router. I utilized the web interface to update the firmware via a wired ...
- Jun 14, 2020
There is more severe, recovery reset, that you could try:
- Press reset for 30 seconds
- Keep pressing reset while removing power
- Keep pressing reset for another 30 seconds while apply power
If it works, you may be able to use the usual method to flash the firmware again.
Download the latest firmware for your device – or an older version if that is what you want – and read the Release Notes for how to install it.
If that fails, you are into TFTP country.
How to upload firmware to a NETGEAR router using Windows TFTP | Answer | NETGEAR SupportThis also explains how to tell Windows to use TFTP on your PC.
This isn't the easiest operation, so if you are forced to use it, you could try a web search to find videos that guide you through the process.
The good news is that TFTP has rescued many a dead device.
michaelkenward
Aug 06, 2020Guru - Experienced User
SpiderRouter wrote:
Thank you. You actually pointed out the firmware and that is likely the issue. I have a R7900 but the firmware is R7900P.
Heaven only knows how you achieved that. These are two different models, with different hardware (processor chips) inside them. You should not be able to install the wrong firmware on your device. The update process usually throws up its hands and tells you not to be so silly. (I can't remember the exact messages.)
If you forced the wrong firmware on to the device, then you may have killed it permanently. Your best option would be to start from scratch with the right firmware.
If you visit the support pages:
Support | NETGEAR
you can feed in your model number (see the label on it) and find the documentation for your hardware.
It will also have any firmware for your device.
SpiderRouter
Aug 06, 2020Tutor
michaelkenward If you forced the wrong firmware on to the device, then you may have killed it permanently. (I didn't)
Your best option would be to start from scratch with the right firmware. (I did)
Heaven only knows how you achieved that. These are two different models, with different hardware (processor chips) inside them. You should not be able to install the wrong firmware on your device. (I know) The update process usually throws up its hands and tells you not to be so silly. (I can't remember the exact messages.) (It didn't)
I have enough Netgear products EX7500 (extender), 2x EX8000 (extenders) and now R8000P (router) to know how some things should/shouldn't work. This is the first time that I've ever used this "community" and I've shown more gratitude than attitude. At times, the nomenclature of their products can be convoluted and the process of maintaining them as well.
All I did yesterday was change the firmware to the correct model. Anyone that saw my screenshot attached to my original post will see that it said successful in cmd prompt. You pointed out that I had the wrong firmware and once I downloaded the correct firmware version and redid the TFTP process it finally installed. My light is white and although the router was only connected to my computer ethernet (no LAN port) I was able to see that the Wifi was back on and listed amongst available networks. It is working. I've already tested it.
I am moving on from the router and this post.
Peace and Thank You
- GlobalJunkAug 12, 2020StarStraw, meet Camel.
This was it for me. The same firmware issues you mentioned also caused the exact same WiFi instability I had in 2019 (see my older posts). The "fix" was to reset the device to factory default and start again. This doesn't work for me since I'm using 2 Nighthawks in AP mode and I would have to unplug/disconnect and reset all the settings for the device. It's ridiculous that Netgear cannot come up w a solid firmware design for their outstanding hardware.
Also, the lack of roaming support is terrible. I have places in my home where the Netgear routers (in AP mode) would keep the client connected at 4mbps when I'm standing right by the other AP!
Ive replaced all of my Netgear devices and sold them for dirt cheap. Went with a solid brand name who sounds like A, goes by Zues.
Good luck everyone! - antinodeAug 12, 2020Guru
> Straw, meet Camel.
Clearly, this (pointless) rant belongs in a different thread.
> [...] This doesn't work for me since I'm using 2 Nighthawks in AP mode
> and I would have to unplug/disconnect and reset all the settings for the
> device. [...]I see no reason to disconnect anything. All _what_ settings? At
least one of us is confused.> Also, the lack of roaming support is terrible. [...]
Some people who want a mesh system buy a mesh system, rather than
expecting a non-mesh system to behave as if it were a mesh system. - wonkomgSep 12, 2020Aspirant
I'm totally agreed everything you said. I'm not a tech guy and only know few basic about network. Has been using netgear product more than 12 years and they expect an old fart like me know how to flash firmware. The joke is over for me I'm moving to different brand also.