HELP! Asus RT-N66U - Can't update to dd-wrt

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Wildwild
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Joined: 26 Jun 2013
Posts: 61

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 1:25    Post subject: HELP! Asus RT-N66U - Can't update to dd-wrt Reply with quote
Hi all,

I just got a used Asus RT-N66U version B1 and I have been trying to update it to the dd-wrt.v24-30082_NEWD-2_K3.x-big-RT-N66U.trx firmware through the Web GUI with no success and the router could not get to the DD-WRT screen.

I have tried all the suggestions in the Wiki below Sad

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php?title=Asus_RT-N66U#Installation_Instructions

I could flash the latest Merlin firmware but could not update it to DD-WRT firmware without bricking it Sad

How long should I wait before manually rebooting it? Is 20 mins long enough?

I think it has the latest CFE version. Do I need to update the CFE?
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testerp1
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 09 Sep 2014
Posts: 28

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 11:01    Post subject: Reply with quote
Use recovery mode, dd wrt firmware file .trx and wait until it boot up about 40-50 minutes (its normal). But there is a bug that internet connection can freeze and disappear for 5 or more minutes. I forgot to try one thing for fix this bug - erase nvram. Administration tab -> Commands ->

erase nvram
reboot

and then Run commands. Maybe its help.
Wildwild
DD-WRT User


Joined: 26 Jun 2013
Posts: 61

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 11:47    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks,

Do I need to use a specific N66U-64K.trx firmware or just any latest N66U.trx firmware? And should I flash Merlin firmware first?

Is it better to use the Asus Recovery software or the Web CFE GUI to do the flashing?

May be I did not wait long enough in my previous attempts Sad
Wildwild
DD-WRT User


Joined: 26 Jun 2013
Posts: 61

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 13:19    Post subject: Reply with quote
I have just flashed the dd-wrt.v24-29134_NEWD-2_K3.x_mega_RT-N66U.trx firmware using the Recovery Mode (Reset button method). Finger crossed this time and I will give it a couple of hours to see if it works this time Rolling Eyes
Wildwild
DD-WRT User


Joined: 26 Jun 2013
Posts: 61

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 14:55    Post subject: Reply with quote
UPDATE: waited for 2 hours. Power, LAN 1, wifi LEDs came on after NVRAM clear (via WPS button) and reboot and still no dd-wrt GUI.

Gave up and flashed Merlin firmware back on it Sad

Found out it has CFE version 1.0.1.2 with 64M NVRAM
Per Yngve Berg
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 13 Aug 2013
Posts: 6858
Location: Romerike, Norway

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 18:44    Post subject: Reply with quote
The working version of CFE is 1.0.1.3
Malachi
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 17 Jul 2012
Posts: 7209
Location: Columbus, Ohio

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 19:42    Post subject: Reply with quote
The 1.0.1.2 cfe should take any build labeled k3.x.
The only other cfe that could take a different build, k2.6 had the 1.0.1.1 cfe but even it could take the k3.x build.

If he has flashed the latest asus firmare it could be that the router is not accepting custom firmware due to the new fcc restrictions.

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Wildwild
DD-WRT User


Joined: 26 Jun 2013
Posts: 61

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 0:06    Post subject: Reply with quote
I can confirm it has the latest official Asus firmware on it Sad

I have not been able to find the earlier k2.6 with the N66-U.64K.trx firmware anywhere to download to try out:(
Malachi
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 17 Jul 2012
Posts: 7209
Location: Columbus, Ohio

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 0:42    Post subject: Reply with quote
Don't try to install the k2.6 build, you'll brick it.
Try to use the asus firmware restoration tool to flash an older asus firmware. Then try dd-wrt again.

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Wildwild
DD-WRT User


Joined: 26 Jun 2013
Posts: 61

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 7:54    Post subject: Reply with quote
I have flashed an older version of Merlin's firmware and then the dd-wrt firmware and had the same result - ie no dd-wrt GUI Sad

I will try with the oldest Asus firmware (3.0.0.4.376.2524) first and then the latest dd-wrt firmware and let you know the result Smile
Malachi
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 17 Jul 2012
Posts: 7209
Location: Columbus, Ohio

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 11:39    Post subject: Reply with quote
After doing that, unplug the router, hold the wps button in while plugging the power back in. Keep holding it till the power led flashes.
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Wildwild
DD-WRT User


Joined: 26 Jun 2013
Posts: 61

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 12:11    Post subject: Reply with quote
I did that.

Could not ping 192.168.1.1. My PC's IP was: 192.168.1.10

Got this message when I typed in 192.168.1.1 through a web browser:
"Settings have been updated. Web page will now refresh.
Changes have been made to the IP address or port number. You will now be disconnected from RT-N66U.
To access the settings of RT-N66U, reconnect to the wireless network and use the updated IP address and port number."

Gave up and flashed it back to Merlin firmware again Sad

Any more suggestions on this RT-N66U B1?

I will go back and use the Netgear WDNR4700V4 instead. What a pity I could not get this darn thing to work with dd-wrt Sad
Per Yngve Berg
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 13 Aug 2013
Posts: 6858
Location: Romerike, Norway

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 12:44    Post subject: Reply with quote
Update CFE to 1.0.1.9

http://www.snbforums.com/threads/cfe-bootloader-update.8259/


The new FCC restrictions are in version 1.0.2.x
Wildwild
DD-WRT User


Joined: 26 Jun 2013
Posts: 61

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 13:42    Post subject: Reply with quote
Updating the CFE is getting a bit dangerous here.

How come other people had been able to update it with the same hardware before?
Malachi
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 17 Jul 2012
Posts: 7209
Location: Columbus, Ohio

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 14:14    Post subject: Reply with quote
So we assume he has the new cfe?
The instructions that Per linked is simple.
I've done it many times. It's all automatic.

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