Nighthawk RAX45 - can not change SSID back to previous

[hxroberts]

In doing a firmware update, a factory reset was somehow done, changing my SSID and PW back to the original which matches the stickers on the device.  I then went and tried to change the SSID and PW back to what I had setup and I get the error message that the SSID is a duplicate and to please change to a new one.  I tried both via the Nighthawk app and the web browser.  I have no backup.  Is it possible to get it back to using my old one?

[hxroberts · Accepted solution]

My apologies for the delayed response/resolution but I've been away and recently returned to resolve this.  As it turns out, I had an N300 WiFi range extender in the garage for the home security cameras and this was not allowing me to change back to my network name.  I removed this first and then was able to make the changes desired, then reconnected the extender and all is now good.  Thanks for all of your help.

[FURRYe38]

It's recommended to change the SSID name to a custom name other than what comes as default on the sticker. 

[hxroberts]

It was changed to a unique SSID and PW when it was setup in late 2020.  I've been doing firmware updates and this is the first time it somehow did a factory reset.  I want to change it back to what I had setup as my SSID.

[FURRYe38]

Did you do a FR from the reset button in back or from the Backup menu in the web UI using the erase button there? 

[hxroberts]

Thank you for responding.  Neither - I had checked for updates in the App and there was one firmware update which I elected to install.  When it was completed, it appeared to do a factory reset without my requesting it because the SSID was set back to the original on the sticker.  So now I want to get mine back so that I don't have to go reconnect/setup my Ring, security cameras, smart devices, etc.

[michaelkenward]

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@hxroberts wrote:

I want to change it back to what I had setup as my SSID.

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How do I change my NETGEAR router password or network name (SSID)? | Answer | NETGEAR Support

How do I change the WiFi password or security level on my NETGEAR router? | Answer | NETGEAR Support

[FURRYe38]

You'll need to use a web browser and log in to the routers web page to make changes. 

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@hxroberts wrote:

Thank you for responding.  Neither - I had checked for updates in the App and there was one firmware update which I elected to install.  When it was completed, it appeared to do a factory reset without my requesting it because the SSID was set back to the original on the sticker.  So now I want to get mine back so that I don't have to go reconnect/setup my Ring, security cameras, smart devices, etc.

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[hxroberts]

I've followed those instructions.  After I change the SSID and Network key (from the reset factory default) back to what I have had setup and been using for the past few years, I hit Apply and get the message "SSID is a duplicate, please change to another one" and no change is made.  It is still at the factory name and key.

[FURRYe38]

How was FW updated on the router? Via Nighthawk app or did you manually load FW using a web browser on the routers web page? 

Did you FR using the back button or ERASE button on the WEB UI? 

Can you try a different browser or PC and see if this SSID name will change? 

When you did a FR, walk thru the setup wizard and when it gets to the part about setting up the SSID name, is this where your getting an error? 

[hxroberts]

I am going to take your suggestion and try on another PC and browser and will let you know the results.  I will do this in about an hour.  

In the meantime, to answer your other questions:

FW updated via Nighthawk app on my iPhone.

I did NOT request the FR.  Not sure how it happened.  After the FW update the SSID and PW were reset to factory.

I am getting the error when I am using the Web browser (www.routerlogin.net) in wireless settings to change.  After changing and hitting "Apply" I get the error.

Thanks again. 

[FURRYe38]

Ok, something to try, FR and walk thru the setup wizard, input the new custom SSID name during the setup wizard process...see if it will apply here. 

I would avoid FW updates thru the NH app. I prefer manual FW loading when needed:

https://kb.netgear.com/23960/How-do-I-manually-update-the-firmware-on-my-NETGEAR-router

Use the erase button to do the FR:

https://kb.netgear.com/000062081/How-do-I-erase-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System

[hxroberts]

Thanks for all your suggestions.  I tried on another PC and browser with the same failure "Duplicate SSID, please use another one"

I think I'll create an entirely new SSID and reconnect all smart devices, etc.

[FURRYe38]

Try that then try a FR and walk thru the setup wizard using a web browser and PC, input the new custom SSID name during the setup wizard process...see if it will apply here. 

Last resort would be to manually re-load FW, might even try prior working FW first using a wired PC and web browser. Setup, then manually re-apply the latest version of FW. 

Seems like something is in a bad state here.

@DarrenM 

[hxroberts · Accepted solution]

My apologies for the delayed response/resolution but I've been away and recently returned to resolve this.  As it turns out, I had an N300 WiFi range extender in the garage for the home security cameras and this was not allowing me to change back to my network name.  I removed this first and then was able to make the changes desired, then reconnected the extender and all is now good.  Thanks for all of your help.

[FURRYe38]

Glad you got it working. Please mark your thread as solved so others will know. 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. 📡