Netgear R9000 won't reset

[hspindel2]

I purchased a used Netgear R9000.  It powers up fine.

Unfortunately, it powers up at IP 192.1.1.5.1 instead of the factory default.  Going to the web page at 192.1.1.5.1 does give me the logon box, but factory default username/password do not work.  Seller has no idea what they might be.

I have tried to factory reset the router multiple times, including a 30-30-30 reset.  I can tell from the flashing lights that the router resets, but it comes back up in the same useless condition.  I have tried putting the router into TFTP mode to reflash factory firmware.  From the light's pattern, I do believe the router goes into TFTP mode, but my TFTP program (Win11) says the router will not accept a connection.

I found one other post that said that leaving the router powered off for 24 hours would help.  It did not help me.

I don't care about the factory firmware as I want to flash DD-WRT anyway.

I am out of ideas.  Anybody have any more?

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

Try nmrpflash instead of TFTP.

If the 30-30-30 reset doesn't work then router maybe busted.

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

Try nmrpflash instead of TFTP.

If the 30-30-30 reset doesn't work then router maybe busted.

[hspindel2]

Thank you for the nmrpflash suggestion.  Didn't run across that before in my searching.  Certainly worth a try!

[hspindel2]

It took many tries and much fooling with nmrpflash, but it eventually worked.  Thank you so much for the pointer!

[FURRYe38]

Glad you got it working. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/24231/How-do-I-back-up-the-router-configuration-settings-on-my-Nighthawk-rout...
Enjoy. 📡

[Kitsap]

A good third party firmware for the R9000 comes from Voxel.  Here is his web site:

https://www.voxel-firmware.com/Downloads/Voxel/html/index.html

Be sure and review the Read Me link on the menu.

There is an active Voxel group over on Small Net Builders forum here:

https://www.snbforums.com/forums/netgear-ac-wireless-wi-fi-5.53/