Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2020 0:15 Post subject: WR841N v8 factory-to-ddwrt file too large/incorrect version?
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
Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2020 2:27 Post subject: DD-WRT version
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.
Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2020 2:48 Post subject: TP-Link WR841N(D) 8.x
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.
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?
...
Please correct me if I'm wrong
Yes, you could try different versions from old to new and check if one accepts the factory-to-ddwrt.bin
You should check with older build factory-to-ddwrt.bin like r37961, not shure if builds beyond r41791 are reliable builds for your device.
It will not let you flash update with a v8 firmware that is not matching. You will get the 18005 error on every unaccepted firmware on the WebUI.
I have found a video that is modding the running tp-link firmware to circumvent the 18005 error, cannot confirm that it will work on your device and every factory firmware, give it a try on a factory reset device if other method will fail