[kentuck1163]

I naively believed the DD-WRT router database and thought that Build 30796 was the latest version available for my router. I went through the process of installing it and setting it up with my VPN provider (nordvpn). Its working now - but then I discover there are much newer versions available.

My question is is it worth resetting to the factory firmware, then starting over from scratch to get the latest version installed????

[spuriousoffspring]

Yes. The 33006 version has been running well for most.

ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2017/

Also, you don't have to lose all your settings. All the newer Brainslayer builds have the ability to load Linksys OEM Firmware directly from DD-WRT GUI.
You can just upgrade with the 'webflash.bin' and keep your current configuration.

If you haven't already - definitely read this topic:

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=287813

Good luck & have fun!

[kentuck1163]

Thanks for the quick reply! So, you would recommend going with the 33006 build instead of the 33180 build?

So, I can just upgrade from the web interface and it will keep my settings? Thats great. I had already read the link you provided and thought I would have to reboot to the factory firmware on the other partition, do the factory to wrt upgrade to the new version, and then have to enter all my info from scratch (which would suck).

By the way, even though I am from Kentucky originally, I have lived in Vicksburg, MS for 30 years (go Saints! - unless they are playing the Bengals!).

Thanks again for your help.

PS- If there is a DD-WRT router database - why the heck don't they keep it up do date!!!???

[spuriousoffspring]

The 33180 just came out. I would give it time just to be sure there aren't any issues with it.
As soon as somone creates a topic for the 33180 build and people begin beta testing it, you will get a good idea if it'll work for you.

The database and the Wiki are both out of date. I learned about 90% of what I know now just from this Forum!

Who Dat!

[kentuck1163]

Who DEY!

[spuriousoffspring]

I forgot to add: do not do a hard reset, aka 30/30/30

It's completely unnecessary and can harm newer routers. (Wiki out of date)

You can reset before / after Firmware update, but it's really only needed if there's a problem.
Some people do & some don't. I never have.

Three ways to reset:
1. Hold reset button (back of router) with power on for about 30 seconds.
2. DD-WRT GUI Administration Tab - Firmware Upgrade Sub-Tab
3. Telnet or SSH Command: 'erase nvram' then 'reboot'

[kentuck1163]

I'm now running Build 33006. Seems fine so far and it kept all my settings!! yay!

[spuriousoffspring]

You can download Linksys Firmware from the support page for your router.
May be a good thing to save in a file just in case.

Glad it worked out well!

[kentuck1163]

For the record, to someone coming to DD-WRT as a newbie - having a router database and a wiki thats out of date does not convey a sense of professionalism and made me a bit wary of going this direction. Not everyone who wants to go down this path is technically savvy enough to wade through all the forums to find out that all the easily accessible information is out of date and, often, incorrect.

If you want to make this a product that looks reliable and conveys confidence - either update those things or get rid of them.

Just my two cents....

[LookingForMyMojo]

it's beta and clearly stated.
read, do your homework, when you are comfortable, pull the switch. Or don't, your choice. You aren't saying anything new

[128bit]

[spuriousoffspring]

When I first started with all this I'll admit - a fully functional, clear & current set of instructions would have made things much easier.
However, easier isn't always better. Anyone can follow directions, but learning how & why things work is a better way in the long run. In my humble opinion.

For me learning what not to do is just as (if not more important) than knowing what to do.

Remember: 'Knowing is half the battle'