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Forum Discussion
Warning: Do not upgrade firmware to 1.0.2.144, it bricked my Nighthawk X8 R8500
I have a Nighthawk X8 R8500 and I updated the firmware this morning via the web interface. I believe I updated to v1.0.2.144, but I cannot confirm, as the router will no longer operate. The power LED (amber) blinks and will not stay on steady. I can no longer connect to the internet or to the router. I attempted to reset the router using a pin in the hole for 7 seconds. It did not work. I would appreciate Netgear support reaching out as the router is only 4 years old.
7 Replies
ehansen14051 wrote:
The power LED (amber) blinks and will not stay on steady. I can no longer connect to the internet or to the router. I attempted to reset the router using a pin in the hole for 7 seconds. It did not work. I would appreciate Netgear support reaching out as the router is only 4 years old.
Ouch. This is well outside the warranty period, even in countries where it is more than the usual year, so you are probably reduced to TFTP.
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, which isn't very likely, 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.
How do I manually upgrade firmware to my NETGEAR router? | Answer | NETGEAR Support
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.
This one covers the process pretty well.
It applies to all devices and not just the one that features in the video
The good news is that TFTP has rescued many a dead device.
I have owned routers for 7+ years and never experienced a bricked router due to a manufacturer supplied firmware update. I guess Netgear wanted to force people off of these 4 year old devices. I will never purchase any Netgear product again.
I checked mine, basically it has this problem where its DHCP stop working after assigning a couple of IPs.
Wish I saw this before I did the upgrade.
The upgrade went well for me (Mar 26, 2021).
However, it's having trouble reaching out to NTP (which may or may not be the cause of your DHCP issue).
Crossing fingers and toes and hoping Netgear will release a newer official firmware to resolve the issue.
The latest update v1.0.2.144 for my R8500 is no longer listed on their website. There is NO comment from netgear on why this is no longer available. I can no longer trust a company that does this to paying customers can you? As a consultant to SMB's I will start working with other hardware vendors. I have recommended and configured routers, switches and managed port replicators for over 15 years.
I have come to the conclusion that companies like this should no longer remain in business since they don't care about the communities, customers and businesses that have helped them grow their business. This kind of crap will continue as long as Netgear and other manufacturers think this is the new norm for business.
Be heard and stop the madness because if you don't do something NOW these companies will continue to steal your money.
Just hosed my router with this upgrade, on the 28th. I see this problem has been noted on netgear's forums since the 21st. Where is Netgear support on this?
I upgraded mine to the V1.0.2.144 but is was using the Routers check for new updates. I didnt see the firmware listed on the webpage but it was listed under one article.
Mine is still working and ive rebooted a few times.
