Nitehawk ac3200 R8000 - non-functional after firmware update - can't connect to it

I used my Nitehawk Netgear App on my iphone to launch the current recommented firmware update on my AC3200 R8000 Wifi Router today.  The process seems to have not worked and the router now will not function.  When I turn it on the following happens:

- all lights come on for a moment

- switches to power light only - in orange

- switches to power light only - in white

- power light starts blinking

This is it.  I have gone through the standard connection process multiple times to clear out and power up my modem and connect the router and power it up.  Same thing happens every time.

I am trying to do a manual update of the software, but I do not know how to connect to a wifi router that is non-functional.  When I go to the Router Login page it tells me that my router is not connected to the wifi network - or that I must not be connect to my router's wifi network.  Clearly this is correct because there currently is no wifi network.

Does anyone know how to make this fix?  (I am not a very technical person, so need this in simple terms)

I would prefer not to have to go buy a new router.  Hope youn can help!  Thank you.