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Forum Discussion
ehansen14051
Feb 22, 2021Initiate
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...
michaelkenward
Feb 22, 2021Guru - Experienced User
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 Support
This 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.