Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 13:55 Post subject: Unable to Flash from 2018 to latest (or even fairly old) dd-
Build: r34315
Router: WRT1900AC V2 (Marvell Armada 385)
Mode: Eventually as primary router, not yet in use.
NVRAM Usage: 22 KB / 64 KB
Current State:
On one partition, I have the latest Linksys Stock Firmware 2.0.3.201002 (5/1/2020).
On the other partition, I have r34315 (but download was labeled 01-07-2018-r34411)
I am unable to load the latest dd-wrt built.
Background:
From current Linksys Stock Firmware, I found several references to lack of space, and solution to load an older version r34411.
I did this and was Successful.
Problem:
Now I am running dd-wrt and trying to load a recent dd-wrt build (webflash.bin).
Not able. Have tried 01-16-2023-r51362, 01-12-2023-r51288,
and even r34760 from early 2018 and r36006 from mid 2018.
Technique:
Using web-gui > administration > Firmware Upgrade > Don't reset
(although I've also tried with reset)
Have tried many different reset / reboot / cold boot
nvram erase && reboot (well erase nvram && reboot since the current firmware is 35681 and prior)
Have tried wait wait wait (overnight) power off, and power on after firmware upgrade.
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 0:51 Post subject: install dd-wrt on both partitions
thank you for the tip to install onto the other partition.
I've tried to do that but have not been successful.
If I understand the reading I've done, Linksys routers never will flash the partition that you are working on. They will always flash on the opposite.
So if I have stock on 1, and ddwrt on 2.... and from ddwrt I tryto upgrade, it should try to overwrite the stock on 1. Do I have this right?
That is what is not working for me.
If you have a pointer to instructions I should try, please let me know. I really appreciate your help.
Isn't partition 1 (or 0) the larger partition? Output of cat /proc/mtd from ssh/telnet should reveal for sure. The only thing(s) to try is switching boot partitions and rebooting into stock firmware to install factory-to-ddwrt.bin -OR- installing 01-07-2018-r34411 on both partitions and scrap stock firmware altogether -OR- trying to flash to the other partition via command line over telnet/ssh. This raises the question on whether or not this particular router's 01-07-2018-r34411 image is bunked and there's a need to choose a different one.
Sticky:DD-WRT Installation, Upgrade & Basic Setup–Cliff Notes _________________ "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep." - Robert Frost
"I am one of the noticeable ones - notice me" - Dale Frances McKenzie Bozzio
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 3:05 Post subject: Check Model No. Try another web browser, or command-line.
CLI Flash: 'cd /tmp' then 'wget {file URL}' (httponly) or 'curl -O {file URL}' (http, https, ftp). 'write {file} linux' then 'reboot'.
• WebUI: Clear history or use a portable. Temporary cache bypass: Ctrl+F5, Cmd+Shift+R or new private window/incognito.
There are four WRT1900 series routers, so be sure to check the label on bottom. Label is in upper-right corner, 'Model No.'
No other label location is reliable only 'Model No.' so ignore all the FCC ID and IC info also front-facing router label as well.
Four variants are AC (V1), AC V2, ACS (V1), ACS V2 so match yours accordingly to the correct download folder for dd-wrt.
BTW "Linksys Stock Firmware 2.0.3.201002 (5/1/2020)" if this is correct it would indicate you do have a WRT1900ACS V2.
So it seems to me just a case of using the wrong files, but if you do decide to Telnet command-line also uses webflash.bin.
I had a similar problem trying to upgrade from and old to new ddwrt firmware and use using Google chrome. I tried with firefox and was successful. You might consider trying that.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:28 Post subject: Just cannot get DD-WRT on WRT1900ACS router
I have three WRT1900ACSV2 routers that I have been able to successfully install the latest (r51838) DD-WRT firmware on so I know how to do this. I have one WRT1900ACS router (Linksys firmware version 1.0.3.187766 so I know it's an ACS v1) that simply will not work.
I have the Linksys factory firmware on the 1st partition (I assume because it came like that) and I have tried flashing the factory-to-ddwrt.bin and the ddwrt-linksys-wrt1900acs-webflash.bin of DD-WRT r51838. It seems to flash ok but the router will not start after the flash - the power LED just flashes constantly and I get no IP address from the unit. If I do a 10-second reset with the reset button, I'm back to factory firmware again.
I've tried the second most recent version of DD-WRT firmware and the very old r44715 version from 2020, but I still get the same result. I've done every possible combination of flashing, resetting, reflashing, factory resetting, reflashing. What am I missing here?
• Current DD-WRT build number in use: 02-23-2023-r51838
• Router brand / model and hardware version: WRT1900ACS
• Include operating & wireless modes: Router, no wireless
Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2023 20:46 Post subject: Resolved
I finally returned back and was able to solve the problem.
Ultimately here's what I did:
● Took advice of blkt. Thank you.
» used Portable version of Firefox
● Restored Factory Linksys WRT1900AC V2 Stock Firmware
» FW_WRT1900ACv2_2.0.8.187766_prod.img
● Tried to load recent beta of dd-wrt, but could not get it loaded.
» factory-to-ddwrt.bin
» Presumably too large.
● Loaded 2018 version of dd-wrt r34315 (but download was labeled 01-07-2018-r34411)
» factory-to-ddwrt.bin
» presumably because it is smaller than current 2023 versions, it worked.
● Celebrated
» Thank you for letting me know I should be able to get this working and for the portable browser tip.