When i reset. my R7000 back to factory settings it puts me on firmware V1.0.3.80_1.1.38... but I am almost positive there are much older firmware versions than that. So why is mine only going back to V1.0.3.80_1.1.38
> [...] why is mine only going back to V1.0.3.80_1.1.38
Because it's not "going back" at all?
"Factory reset" is a misnomer. It's a _settings_ reset, and has no effect on the firmware.
> [...] I am almost positive there are much older firmware versions than > that. [...]
Visit http://netgear.com/support , put in your model number, and look for Downloads. (For older versions, under Firmware and Software Downloads, look for "View Previous Versions".) Find the kit(s). Download the kit(s) you want. Read the "Release Notes" file for instructions. (In the User Manual, look for "firmware", and, especially, for a topic like "Manually Upload Firmware to the Router".) When that fails because of a deficient User Manual, try:
Because I soft bricked my router and I am trying to flash back to stock so I can flash back to XWRT.
Here's the story...
So I had XWRT on my R7000. I meant to upgrade to the latest firmware and I accidentally chose the the firmware for the EA6900. It soft bricked my router. My internet was fully functional but the power and internet lights on the router were a light pinkish color and I was unable to log in to 192.168.1.1. It said password incorrect and I tried every combination imaginable.
I was able to use Windows TFTP and flash back to R7000 firmware V1.0.3.80_1.1.38. But now I am trying to flash back to xwrt but no matter what firmware I try to use, it says invalid firmware. I've tried XWRT and Netgear firmware. Nothing has worked. I made a CFE_R7000.bin file a while back but I am not sure if that will do me any good?
