[yonny33]

Hi guys,

I found a cheap TP-Link WR841N v8 and thought it would be a good candidate for dd-wrt.

But trying to restore or upgrade from the stock firmware is not working.
I am using the v8 bin factory-to-dd-wrt. and during the restore, it says the file is too large.

Tried the upgrade option also and incorrect version response.

Now the router has WR841ND(ES) v8.0 on the back label but also in admin it says

Hardware Version:
WR841N v8 00000000
Firmware Version:
3.13.27 Build 120802 Rel.51024n

Have a got an odd version incompatible for dd-wrt? Looked high and low for an older router for dd-wrt. Used.


Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

[ian5142]

What DD-WRT version did you try?

The DD-WRT file has not changed size at all since 2014 or earlier. It is not too large, the TP-Link firmware is rejecting it. If it is just the header, I can change the DD-WRT file to match what your router is looking for.

In what country did you buy the device? TP-Link is notorious for changing the firmware based on where the router is sold. What ever you do, don't upgrade to a newer TP-Link firmware.

TFTP is always an option on these devices, not preferred. See here for more info: https://openwrt.org/toh/tp-link/tl-wr841nd#tftp_recovery_via_bootloader_for_v8_v9_v10_v11_v12_v13

If you have any questions, I can probably answer them.

[yonny33]

Hi Ian,

Yes looks like the tplink is rejecting it when I try to upgrade.
I purchased it 2nd hand in Uruguay, South America.
Have an old 741 from the UK which flashed straight away and has been a solid AP.

I tried the version 8, TP-Link WR841N(D) 8.x

Many thanks

[Per Yngve Berg]

Is this the file you tried to flash?

ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2020/10-02-2020-r44483/tplink_tl-wr841ndv8/

[yonny33]

Yes I tried that one, also the one from the ddwrt router database.

Thanks

[ian5142]

DON'T USE THE DATABASE EVER

Now, on to other things. I have modified the header of the factory-to-ddwrt file to match what I believe to be the one in your router.

I make no guarantees but at least try it.

[yonny33]

Many thanks ian5142.

I'll try the upgrade later when I get a chance. The router may have even originated from Argentina or Brazil as the market is very small here.

[yonny33]

No luck I'm afraid.

Error code: 18005

Upgrade unsuccessfully because the version of the upgraded file was incorrect. Please check the file name.


Just to note on the underside label it does have (ES)
WR841ND(ES)

Not sure what the 'ES' is. Spain?

[servicetech]

[yonny33]

Thanks servicetech.

So if I understand correctly I need to upgrade the current firmware to the new tplink firmware in the second link and then try the factory-to-ddwrt?

One of these versions to unlock it?
https://www.tp-link.com/latam/support/download/tl-wr841nd/v8/#Firmware

or as you posted the (es)region
https://www.tp-link.com/es/support/download/tl-wr841n/v8/#Firmware

Please correct me if I'm wrong

[servicetech]

[yonny33]

Thanks very much.
I'll have a go at some of the tplink versions first

Yep this is just a cheap 5th router I have trying to strengthen a weak spot in one of the rooms. Nothing critical or lost if it goes pear shaped.