R7960P firmware not upgrading

Thanks Mrfatboy and CKopp for trying to help.  CKopp , when you said "invoke the firmware update process from the console using the desktop file...is that equivalent to browsing to the routerlogin/start portal->Administration->Router Update etc? 

Darn, no luck for me after unplugging all connections, rebooting and uploading using Chrome through the web portal app.  After my wife's meetings this week where she needs a connection, I may try the longer method to push the file to the router using Tftpd64 or windows' utility, but by all indications the upload process isn't the problem.  I'm not surprised but my hopes were going up seeing so many successes.  I am hesitant to attempt a factory reset to force a downgrade in case that doesn't work, since I won't have a replacement router to fall back on for probably over a month if I order the one I'm interested in today.  In the meantime, I'll definitely watch this thread to see if there's a trick I missed or got wrong.  Thanks all.

Not sure if this is a notable difference, but I allways access the router via its IP directly.  The default should be 192.168.1.1.

Once in (at 192.168.1.1/start.htm, I navigate to the Advanced/Administration/Router Update page.

routerlogin is resolving to http://192.168.1.1/start.htm ok but thanks for any detail.

I'm just a bit sad because to add to the other problems I have w/ this router - I have a few duplicate IP's being assigned to important devices, which I can't seem to fix now either.  Just so many bugs...*sigh*  Mrfatboy the upload of the update makes it to 100%, most led's turn off, then 3 red adjacent lights come on for a few seconds, the router shuts off, powers on, then boots up like normal (unfortunately).  I recal when flashing firmware successfully before, or after the reboot.  Oh and after the reboot my wireless network is now called "living room speaker" even though the SSID hasn't changed according to the admin portal!?!  I'm back to being extremely frustrated and tired.  Is there a press and hold the reset button type of option to return it to it's initial firmware??  or would my only chances be to try and down grade flash to a previous version.  At minimum I need to keep the wired computer running for my wifes meetings tomorrow. 

2 cents recommendation from a really old guy - replace your current router (Trendnet in my case) before it becomes too flaky - just so you have a backup in case your new router goes foobar like this Netgear.

BTW, sad and tired + frustrated is more accurate.  Speaking of which I could take notes of which led's come on in what sequence but it's in another room and I'm just kindof tired.  If that would help diagnose a fixable problem I am willing, otherwise I need to take a break and fix something (like our screen door) that's fixable, to improve my mood ;-)

So those on V1.4.1.44_1.3.5 haven't been able to upgrade but a few of us on V1.4.1.50_1.3.10 have been able too?  Isn't that the issue that started this dialog? That firmware 1.4.1.44 is blocking further upgrades.  Not sure much has advanced here unless I missed something.  

sorry for the multiple posts...I just read one google article on a factory reset and duh...it resets all the settings - which I'd rather not do, but (as makes sense) not the firmware...

Tomorrow I'll try a factory reset, then for the heck of it try the firmware upgrade one last time, and if that dosen't work - apply a saved backup config file (doh, I forgot about that).

To summarize, if you are on 1.44, now is the time to return your device to Costco and pick something else during their Network sale that is going on right now. 

Something about the 1.44 made it no longer possible to do firmware upgrades.  Mine was replaced with a 1.44 version that didn't have that issue and it made the leap to 1.50 and now 1.62.  

Take action now while Costco is giving you a variety of choices.  

Just ordered a TP-Link C4000. As soon as it comes in the R7960p is going back to Costco. I'm done with Netgear. 

Just to be clear, when I was on 1.50, I also had problems getting the upgrade to take place.  I am no longer sure what I was on before 1.50, but I know I upgraded once between when I bought it in April 2020 and now.

Yeah i've tried to move to 1.50 like ten times at this point. Both through the GUI and through tftp. I had to borrow a windows machine to take a stab at the tftp approach but was never able to even get confirmation of upload. I have a raspberry pi that i think i could tinker around with and get tftp-hpa working, but i'm just done messing with it. I don't want to have to keep messing with this stupid thing that I expect to just work and keep my local network safe.

I've been really happy with these products up until now. I may be in a minority, but i like the netgear router GUI. And i've been impressed with what can be configured out of the box, like VPN, access control, etc. I've just been blown away by how piss poor the response has been with this issue, especially given the recent news of Netgear router hacks through remote router management.

I have no idea if the TP-Link product will be any better, but i doubt it can be any worse. And at this point I feel like I have no other option.

I tool mine back to Costco today.  I spent a bit more on the AX8 at Costco; thinking that worst case I can take this one back too and get a different manufacturers product; I honestly gave them one more chance becuase it was conveinent.... will see what happens.

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andynbaker wrote:
I haven't recently. I figured if I have to set VPN and DHCP stuff back up thev I may as well do it with a new router and not bother with this one any more. If Costco doesn't take it back for some reason they don't take it back then I'll give it a go.

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Mrfatboy Thank you very much for the link.  (Fighting illness makes it difficult to do basic things like searching).  I haven't tried it yet because of the work involved in re-linking all the varying smart devices we have, even after naming the network the same and the family needs it working for a few days for work.  (Sorry, slightly off topic for a bit but there is a reason I mention that after restoring to a config file from a month ago, before the 50 firmware when there were fewer problems - the biggest problem I have is the router handing out duplicate IP's and misreporting a number of connected devices, even after turning all 24 off in the house and adding them back one by one.  Reserving IP's for some #'s that were always duplicating didn't help.  Duplicate IP's are causing connectivity problems and complete failures.  The reason I mention this is normally I'd be happy to factory reset if I new I could restore to a working good config...but I'm concerned that the config is corrupt and I will have to start from scratch - requriing hours of configuration thanks to our cheap (as needed unfortunately) but many different devices we have for house automation. 

What I'd really like to find out is if someone who can't upgrade from 50 to 62 w/ the same symptoms I'm having trying to upgrade - is successful after a full reset (same question as posed by @Mrfatboy).  Not asking anyone who was successful to mess with a downgrade of course!...but if anyone w/ a little more time and inclination and health could try this before returning their router, I'd be very grateful!   

I am concerned Costco at some point may stop taking this one back - which I got in Dec or Jan. so I like the idea of exchanging for the AX8 - possible a temporary one if it has problems until the Asus' become more available and hopefully discounted.  I'll have to look and see if it will serve us ok in the meantime.

Sorry Mrfatboy I somehow missed your post that you tried the reset once and it worked!  I'd still like to know if someone w/ my problems upgrading is succssful, because I think the pathing bug was preventing you and other successful flashers of 62 from pushing the firmware earlier.  Totally understand too that there are not guarentee's w/ this stuff.

WookieClaws  I'm really curious how the AX8 working out for you so far?  Do you notice anything better or worse re: connection speeds and anything else compared to the 7960P?  Any info, even if a short blurb would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!