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Forum Discussion
R7960P firmware not upgrading
I have attempted multiple times to upgrade my current firmware, V1.4.1.44_1.3.5, to V1.4.1.50_1.3.10 and it fails. I have tried letting the router update itself and also downloading upgrade zip file straight from Netgear sight. Any reason why my firmware won't upgrade?
Thanks
287 Replies
I would recommend we write to Costco and inform them of the lack of responsiveness by Netgear. Costco takes customer service very seriously, thats why we are members. Maybe writing to them will help us to get them to accept the router as a return, citing the security flaw that we can't get fixed.
- For 3 months now I’ve been trying to update the firmware for my Nighthawk R7960P from “V1.4.1.44_1.3.5” to the latest “V1.4.1.50_1.3.10”.
I’ve tried letting it use the “auto update”, I’ve done a “manual firmware update”, I’ve tired doing it from the app, every different method I’ve done has the same outcome of results. It shows it’s “downloading and updating firmware” then after it reboots it’s still on “V1.4.1.44_1.3.5“. I thought maybe I should power it off then back on, still will not update to the latest version. I am at a total loss.Tiki-Vik,
You'll need to chill out. It's a known problem which Netgear has not fixed. Don't waste any more time trying to update the firmware. And there is no timeline for a fix so don't get your hopes up.
If you bought your router at Costco be sure to send an email to Costco informing them of the lack of support for your product.
We are working on a fix for this issue but a workaround is trying to load the new firmware via TFTP I linked how to do this below.
https://kb.netgear.com/000059633/How-to-upload-firmware-to-a-NETGEAR-router-using-TFTP-client
DarrenM
DarrenM wrote:
We are working on a fix for this issue but a workaround is trying to load the new firmware via TFTP I linked how to do this below.https://kb.netgear.com/000059633/How-to-upload-firmware-to-a-NETGEAR-router-using-TFTP-client
DarrenM
Darren,
I see the hot fix available on your support web site:
"https://www.netgear.com/support/download/"
Firmware Version 1.4.1.56 - Hot Fix
Is there a reason that this won't upload using the Netgear Admin "Router Update - Browse" function (using a wired connection, of course)?
Does this hot fix need to be applied ONLY via your Tftpd64 software? The release notes don't indicate that Tftpd64 is required, and Tftpd64 is a whole lot more complicated, with many steps for regular users to navigate. Tftpd64 seems like an unnecessary stumblinig block.
DarrenMBest way to update is manual. PC/MAC Ethernet connected to the router. Download the firmware. You can get the firmware and user manual from this site.
https://www.netgear.com/support/
Normally there is a howto included in the downloaded firmware zip file. The zip file needs to be expanded to use.
Hot fixes are not normally available from the router update process.
- I tried the TFTP method. It wouldn't work for me, even after I factory reset the router and a clean install of windows.
The router never initiates the upgrade. It's almost like the user does not have access to write in that partition. Hard denial and reboot so you cant access the logs or any elevated privilege. DarrenM
Have YOU actually tested this firmware hot patch on an R7960P router? Has anyone at Netgear ACTUALLY tested this firmware patch on a R7900 or R7960P router?
If your techs are experiencing inconsistent test results, i.e. it works for some R7960P routers, but not others, or not every time, I'd like to offer my router as a sample of one that DOES NOT accept Netgear's firmware patches. I am a technical professional, and can work with your tech's to execute tests. We can either set up a second, parrellel router and configure my problem R7960P in a separate subnet, to conduct repetitive tests. Once we have a solution, I'll even write the tech note to document the solution for users.
This has gone on for over four months, and it's well past time for Netgear to solve this problem.
My contact information is available in my profile.
DarrenM wrote:We are working on a fix for this issue but a workaround is trying to load the new firmware via TFTP I linked how to do this below.
https://kb.netgear.com/000059633/How-to-upload-firmware-to-a-NETGEAR-router-using-TFTP-client
DarrenM
Yeeeaaahhh.... I'm a network engineer with 15 years of experience and spent two hours messing with this which is too much. This is a case of very poor quality testing on rolling out firmware to EVERY model.
I will take it back to Costco this weekend to get full refund and look in another direction. Which is sad for Netgear too, they are losing out on three new additional customers as I was due to hook up some friends and family home networks that are working remotely and want better wifi coverage and also parental controls. I was about to recommend multiple Netgear products to them, but not now after this poor personal experience. I will use different products for myself and all friends and family in the future.
I watched this exact thread for months waiting, they did not respond in a resonable amount of time with an actual fix. The whole you can "try" doing the TFTP upload as a workaround was a joke. DarrenM
I'm most dissapointed that this firmware is for security fixes and we can't get the patches! Grrrr...
Jesus christ these assholes just can't get it together. I'd return it to Costco, but there's nothing there i'm even interested in. This is so frustrating.
Netgear needs to feel the pain as we are.... if you purchased yours from Costco, you need to return these routers! No need for a receipt or the packaging, just bring it on in.
Costco is currently having a "Networking Savings Event" right now that ends on 8/30.
Here are your options:
#1) Return your R7960P and purchase TP-Link's Archer AX11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router
Normally $399, on sale for $299.
Costco Link: https://www.costco.com/tp-link-archer-ax11000-tri-band-wi-fi-6-router.product.100519717.html
TP Link: https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax11000/*for all you gamers, this is the one! Far more superior than the R7960P.
#2) Return your R7960P and purchase TP-Link's Deco M9 Plus Tri-Band Wi-Fi System with Built-In Smart Hub, 3-pack.
Normaly $199.99 on sale for $179.99
Costco Link: https://www.costco.com/tp-link-deco-m9-plus-tri-band-wi-fi-system-with-built-in-smart-hub%2c-3-pack.product.100477095.html
TP Link: https://www.tp-link.com/us/deco-mesh-wifi/product-family/deco-m9-plus/#3) Return your R7960P and hope a different Netgear product is not cursed like the R7960P. Here are three options on sale right now. I hope this is a hit to Netgear on the returns and not Costco, but I'm not sure, you think it would be 100% Netgear.
a. Nighthawk AX6 6-Stream AX4300 WiFi 6 Router
Normally $199.99, on sale for $159.99
Costco Link: https://www.costco.com/netgear-nighthawk-ax6-6-stream-ax4300-wifi-6-router.product.100523245.htmlNetgear Link: https://www.netgear.com/support/product/rax45.aspx
b. Nighthawk Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System, 3-pack
Normally $249.99, on sale for $199.99Costco Link: https://www.costco.com/netgear-nighthawk-whole-home-mesh-wifi-6-system%2c-3-pack.product.100536361.html
Netgear Link: https://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/nighthawk-mesh/mk63.aspxc. Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Normally $299.99, on sale for $249.99
Costco Link: https://www.costco.com/netgear-nighthawk-ax8-8-stream-ax5700-wi-fi-6-router.product.100495709.html
Netgear Link: https://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/wifi-routers/rax75.aspxDoes anyone have an opinion about the real-world worth of QAM-1024 for 5GHz vs. QAM-256? I'm wondering because that's a significant difference between the two Netgear models on sale at Costco. Wish QAM wasn't the limiting factor for the ax45 vs. the ax50 (I think those are the less $ ones on sale - going on memory) ...but probably w/ wifi6 devices way out in the future - at least for my family - it wouldn't make any difference at all to a house w/ AC (and slower) devices.
I forgot to mention that our current router does QA-1024 from what I remember, so the 45 is a downgrade re: that functionality (I think).
Like everyone else in this thread I am extremely frustrated. I was willing to give some time and I had some hope when the new firmware (X.62) was released. However yesterday I tried the manual upload with no luck. For me it is time to move on and replace the router.
Thank you to djasond23 for listing out the current different router options at costco. It looks like the "Nighthawk AX6 6-Stream AX4300 WiFi 6 Router" is about the same price as what I paid for the R7960. Would I lose any functionality if I switched to the AX6? It just sucks that I'll have to go stand in line at costco to fix this whole thing.
billgio I compared the Nighthawk AX6 6-Stream AX4300 WiFi 6 Router w/ our 7960P (sorry, I shorthanded that model # in the previous posts to RAX45 and will do that again here.) From what I could tell, one difference which could effect top connection speed for very modern devices (might be) that the RAX45 being limited to QAM-256 for both radio's for AX (and AC? - that is what I am unsure of and was asking about.) The 7960P advertizes QAM-1024 for (at least) 5GHz which a couple of our recent smartphones can take advantage of when not far from the router. I believe there are a many other features the 7960P has that the RAX45 doesn't have. You could visit netgear.com, select both routers and click compare to see the side by side feature lise....or open each manual if you want to get much more specific. If I remember right, the 7960P has many features for gamers and power users I don't remember seeing w/ the RAX45. (Sorry I'm not more helpful about the big list of feature differences, it's just because I disable or don't use almost all of these features myself.) As I've mentioned in previous posts, my main concern is getting a replacement (for hopefully about the same price as the 7960P) which doesn't have bugs I've experienced affecting general daily usage, such as duplicate IP's being assigned and QOS simply not working, for example. And of course - less chance of firmware upgrade failures.
I'm about ready to trade my 7960P in at Costco for the RAX45 and see if a) the speeds w/ our smartphones, and wired ethernet computers are close to the 7960P, and b) if the bugs affecting my 7960P (which I care most about) are not present. I'll happily keep it if both are ok. If not, I'll try to get a different brand soon from Amazon, and then return the RAX45. Reason I'm not thinking about the AX8 is simply that we are "money constrained". I am worried about availability of the RAX45 for the Costco sale so I feel like I'll have to make a decision very soon.
I am having this issue and have been having it pretty much since day one when I bought this router from Costco back in November of 2019. I have tried updating through the iOS app, through the browser GUI via wifi, through the browser GUI via ethernet, via downloading the zip file from NetGear and none of it works!
I established a case with support but they are telling me I have to purchase a service contract. NOT HAPPENING. Netgear needs to stand behind this product. I will take it to the BBB if I have to. Now that this is a well established known issue, Netgear should issue a recall.
Someone please help.
tano26 wrote:I have attempted multiple times to upgrade my current firmware, V1.4.1.44_1.3.5, to V1.4.1.50_1.3.10 and it fails. I have tried letting the router update itself and also downloading upgrade zip file straight from Netgear sight. Any reason why my firmware won't upgrade?
Thanks
Has anyone returned their router to Costco without the original box, just the router and plug itself? The box for mine is long gone as it was up and running originally so I tossed it. Originally purchased at the end of September 2019, so just under a year at the moment. Curious if anyone else had a similar return as it seems I'm going to have to do.
Yes, several people have returned the product without the box. Just need your membership card and they will look up the purchase at Costco and allow you to return it.
I spent three hours with technical support over 2 phone calls and finally got them to swap out my router. The replacement is due to be delivered today and I will keep you all posted. Fair warning, the technical support call to troubleshoot is brutal. Outside of a failed FTP method to update the firmware (which is a comical procedure, btw) they did nothing that I didn't try countless times over the past year. I maintained my composure and played along nicely, but that process is not for everyone. I just don't happen to believe that making the other person on the line miserable along with you is ever productive. It's not their fault.
I am just hoping my problem is solved.
Glad to hear you are getting a replacement. My biggest issue with the replacement unit is, its an R8000, not a 7960P. If I return the 7960P to Netgear, I lose my warranty through Costco. Lifetime warranty vs. 1 year for Netgear? Hmm lets think about that tradeoff. I understand the R8000 is a slightly better unit but am I really going to miss out on the 325mbps of additional bandwidth on a Triband Router?
Also, why, why do I need to pay the shipping costs on the RMA for a unit Netgear screwed up with a bad firmware release? Yes its going to be roughly $20 bucks with either RMA choice but this unit was fubared by Netgear.
I am not really happy with any of these choices so when I can find a better router at Costco, Ill be returning this unit instead of RMA'ing it. Definitely not happy with Netgear.
Exactly on point, I did not want to go through that hassle and also keep my options open. I returned mine to costco and got a Tplink instead. I'm pretty happy about it and the DLNA and FTP transfer speed is much faster than Netgear.
Good luk everyone. I am leaving this forum and company forever!
