Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 13:28 Post subject: Flashing via browser intead of by ASUS upgrade utility
As suggested in the Wiki for installing DD-WRT on my ASUS RT-N13U rev. b.1 router, I tried to use the ASUS recover utility to install the firmware but could not get it to work. (See notes below.)
I called ASUS and they recommended to NOT use their recovery utility but to use the upgrade function while logged-in to the router via a browser. (They say they never recommend to use their recovery utility. I'm not sure why they even provide it in the first place if they say not to use it.)
I just want to make sure that updating to DD-WRT via a browser is a safe method as I obviously don't want a bricked router.
Thanks in advance for any assistance you might be able to offer.
Dave
Notes
- in recovery mode - with the power light flashing intermittently as it should...
- launch ASUS Firmware Restoration utility to try to install the DD-WRT firmware
- message stating "no wireless device in recovery mode is found". (see attachment)
- searched and searched for a solution to this error and whenever I find reference to it, it says that this message will appear only when one is NOT in recovery mode. And, I'm 99% certain that I am in recovery mode.
I would not recommend flashing to DD-WRT via the stock ASUS web GUI. I did it and it worked fine on my RT-N13U B1 from a WinXP machine.
It doesn't surprise me that Asus would give you an answer like that as loading a 3rd party firmware like DD-WRT is not something that is supported by Asus.
When you use the Asus tool are you using it from a wired connection? Have you disabled all other network connections on the machine that you are using to load the firmware? Some other thoughts are to try the version of the firmware restoration tool on the disk that came with your router and also the version from the Asus website. If you have an XP machine lying around I would try it; I've seen this problem mentioned more with Windows 7 than with XP.
It doesn't surprise me that Asus would give you an answer like that as loading a 3rd party firmware like DD-WRT is not something that is supported by Asus.
Just a quick note in regards to ASUS recommending I not use their upgrade utility software. They have amazing support for their routers. I paid $35 for it and I get unlimited support for (I think) 3 years! They’ve walked me through some static IP set-ups, port forwarding configuration… They’ve been very helpful all the way around.
It doesn't surprise me that Asus would give you an answer like that as loading a 3rd party firmware like DD-WRT is not something that is supported by Asus.
Yes the Asus hardware clearly supports DD-WRT (and other firmware). What I meant is that Asus does not officially provide technical support for all of these firmwares.
While it's true that ASUS does not provide technical support for DD-WRT firmware, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that flashing DD-WRT does NOT void the warranty on an ASUS router.
Contrary to what another tech support person told me, and in agreement with another comment in this thread, ASUS tech support agrees that it is imperative that ones flashes DD-WRT in recovery mode and using the ASUS recovery utility software and NOT through the browser GUI.
Well, I plugged the router into my Windows XP PC and had DD-WRT on my router in minutes using the ASUS firmware update utility! Thanks to CTXSi for the recommendation. It's still a mystery to me why it wouldn't work on my Windows 7 64-bit laptop - but no worries.
