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R7900P Firmware update failed
I received an email today with a security update notice for my Nighthawk.
So I logged into the router and did the check for update, if found one, so I applied it.
I failed part way through, something about a grammar file couldn't load.
(Sorry I didn't record anything, can't access logs and I have CRS).
My current firmware was V1.4.1.42. I'm pretty sure the upgrade was v1.5 but I don't see that anywhere on the website. Shows 1.4.1.42 as the latest. Maybe I was wrong about my current firmware?
So I went and tried with the Nighthawk app on my phone. It found an update and proceeded to download/install it. Failed with the same error.
So I figured, screw it I'll just try later. Went walk the dogs, ride bike awhile, maybe an hour. Get back home and there's no wifi. Check the router and the power light is blinking amber/white. Try to access from my phone and it can't find it. So I tried from my computer via ethernet and it can't find the address (192.168.1.1). I pinged that and it finds it OK.
Next I rebooted it. No change.
By now I'm figuring the firmware got corrupted, so I look up the info on re flashing it.
I 1st tried TFTP via a terminal in Ubuntu with my laptop. Set it all up, static IP, 1 ethernet from router to laptop, restart modem. It connects fine, I "put" the firmware file on it. No errors but no results. So next I downloaded the TFTP software on my wife's Macbook and tried it there with a GUI. It loads all the way until right at the end it says "no reponse from server". Tried using my admin password, same thing.
Frustrated by now, I reset the router. Still nothing.
Is there any hope for me???
Good write up on debricking a router using a MAC. Have used it. Follow instructions and should work. This will work with most Netgear routers.
8 Replies
Just an update. I started using Terminal in OSX. It connects, and it seems to stay connected as pings don't fail. I "put" the firware file and it says "sent" with no errors. But still doesn't load the firmware. BTW it's the .chk file I'm sending.
Anytthing I'm doing wrong there? Only command i gave TFTP is verbose.
In the TFTP GUI I was using binary as the file type. Didn't see that option with terminal.
I just read about the extra heavy reset. I want to exhaust other options 1st.
Maybe I can try an older firmware?Good write up on debricking a router using a MAC. Have used it. Follow instructions and should work. This will work with most Netgear routers.
Absofrikkinlutely :) :)
binary command was all I needed.
It's all back up and my configuration is still intact. Wow!!
Guess that factory reset didn't do squat while it was bricked.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Got a email on 03/15/2020 from Netgear stating Firmware v14.4.1.42 is available. Tried to update using the APP and it gave a error 3 times. Tried reseting the power on the router and tried agin a few times between one of the attempts Router name as it shows on devices changed.
Initailly thought it is a neighbors WiFi then i recognized the serial number.
1. Is it normal for the Router to change the name during a software update ( Ex. Initially Netgear20 after update Changed to Netgear )
2. Is it common to loose security settings during update . It came back as a open ( unlocked Wifi ) not requiring a password.
3. Is there a risk that i downloaded a malicios or compromised software update.
Please advise. Thanks.
When you reset the router you ended up factory resetting it back to defaults that is why all the info changed.
DarrenM
