TPlink Archer C7 v5 beta firmware invalid file

Post new topic   Reply to topic    DD-WRT Forum Index -> Atheros WiSOC based Hardware
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
SecureOverAll
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 13 May 2020
Posts: 12

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 2:24    Post subject: TPlink Archer C7 v5 beta firmware invalid file Reply with quote
Hello all, I own a tplink archer v5 Canadian version which works with US firmware no problem. When I go to the web interface to upgrade firmware to ddwrt it will not work saying invalid file. I'm afraid if I do tftp upgrade it will brick it. What should I do?
Sponsor
blkt
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 20 Jan 2019
Posts: 5660

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 4:32    Post subject: Reply with quote
Web GUI upgrade with tplink_archer-c7-v5.bin? Which build is currently running and which build to upgrade?
SecureOverAll
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 13 May 2020
Posts: 12

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 13:00    Post subject: Reply with quote
Firmware Version: 1.1.0 Build 20201120 rel.50406(4341)
Hardware version: Archer C7 v5.0
Latest version: 1.1.0 Build 20201120 rel.50406


Path: Downloads › betas › 2021 › 01-24-2021-r45563 › tplink_archer-c7-v5

Both giving invalid file.
factory-to-ddwrt.bin
tplink_archer-c7-v5.bin
SecureOverAll
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 13 May 2020
Posts: 12

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 13:02    Post subject: Reply with quote
Sorry for the double picture but heres the popup


I have changed the name to firmware.bin or without dashes, nothing worked.
ian5142
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 23 Oct 2013
Posts: 2318
Location: Canada

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 13:23    Post subject: TP-Link firmware Reply with quote
If the router is currently running TP-Link firmware. Use the factory-to-ddwrt file in that folder. Then upgrade using the other file once the router is running DD-WRT.

If the factory-to-ddwrt file still causes the same error, you have to setup a TFTP server and do it the hard way. I can provide more info on the process but try via the GUI first.

_________________
Before asking a question on the forums, update dd-wrt: Where do I download firmware? I suggest reading it all.
QCA Best WiFi Settings


Some dd-wrt wiki pages are up to date, others are not. PM me if you find an old one.

Atheros:
Netgear R7800 x3 - WDS AP / station, gateway, QoS
TP-Link Archer C7 v2 x2 - WDS Station
TP-Link TL-WDR3600 v1 - WDS Station
TP-Link 841nd v8 - NU
D-Link 615 C1/E3/I1 x 7 - 1 WDS station
D-Link 825 B1 - NU
D-Link 862L A1 x2 - WDS Station
Netgear WNDR3700v2 - NU
UBNT loco M2 x2 - airOS

Broadcom
Linksys EA6400 - Gateway, QoS
Asus N66U - AP
Netgear WNDR3700v3 - not used
MediaTek
UBNT EdgeRouter X - switch
SecureOverAll
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 13 May 2020
Posts: 12

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 14:03    Post subject: Reply with quote
I have tried both with many other versions and still doesn't work. I am willing to do tftp, I'm currently on windows but if its easier on linux I'm willing to go back using linux on another drive.

How would I start doing so? I looked at https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/TP_Link_Archer_C7

"Most TP-Link routers have a built-in TFTP client looking for a specific file name served by a TFTP server on 192.168.0.66"

https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/TFTP_flash

Is it the same method as above?
ian5142
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 23 Oct 2013
Posts: 2318
Location: Canada

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 14:17    Post subject: TFTP Server Reply with quote
TFTP32
Create a folder C:/tftp
Put the factory-to-ddwrt file in there. Rename file to ArcherC7v3_tp_recovery.bin with another copy for ArcherC7v2_tp_recovery.bin and ArcherC7v5_tp_recovery.bin

Set the Network card (ethernet wired) on your PC to 192.168.0.66, subnet 255.255.255.0
Turn off any and all firewalls.

TFTP32 - Server tab. Select the folder created above.

Router - (from the wiki you linked to) To activate TFTP Recovery press and hold WPS/Reset Button during powering on until WPS LED turns on.

If this still fails, then like the OpenWRT wiki mentions, TPLINK_HWREV and TPLINK_HWID might be 0xffffffff or blank. The bootloader would reject the TFTPed firmware and refuse to flash it. This can be bypassed by modifying the firmware to be flashed at the appropriate locations (using HxD). If you don't know what I mean, then I can do it.

_________________
Before asking a question on the forums, update dd-wrt: Where do I download firmware? I suggest reading it all.
QCA Best WiFi Settings


Some dd-wrt wiki pages are up to date, others are not. PM me if you find an old one.

Atheros:
Netgear R7800 x3 - WDS AP / station, gateway, QoS
TP-Link Archer C7 v2 x2 - WDS Station
TP-Link TL-WDR3600 v1 - WDS Station
TP-Link 841nd v8 - NU
D-Link 615 C1/E3/I1 x 7 - 1 WDS station
D-Link 825 B1 - NU
D-Link 862L A1 x2 - WDS Station
Netgear WNDR3700v2 - NU
UBNT loco M2 x2 - airOS

Broadcom
Linksys EA6400 - Gateway, QoS
Asus N66U - AP
Netgear WNDR3700v3 - not used
MediaTek
UBNT EdgeRouter X - switch
SecureOverAll
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 13 May 2020
Posts: 12

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 14:28    Post subject: Reply with quote
I don't think I have wps led, I'm assuming it would be wifi since I've done that before it would turn on or off the wifi leds. Alright I'll do this later today or tomorrow and let you know. Whenever the family stops using wifi
ian5142
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 23 Oct 2013
Posts: 2318
Location: Canada

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 15:19    Post subject: WPS button Reply with quote
WPS button, sometimes Reset button is used.

Careful with the Reset button though.

PS: This is why I do my upgrades late at night.

_________________
Before asking a question on the forums, update dd-wrt: Where do I download firmware? I suggest reading it all.
QCA Best WiFi Settings


Some dd-wrt wiki pages are up to date, others are not. PM me if you find an old one.

Atheros:
Netgear R7800 x3 - WDS AP / station, gateway, QoS
TP-Link Archer C7 v2 x2 - WDS Station
TP-Link TL-WDR3600 v1 - WDS Station
TP-Link 841nd v8 - NU
D-Link 615 C1/E3/I1 x 7 - 1 WDS station
D-Link 825 B1 - NU
D-Link 862L A1 x2 - WDS Station
Netgear WNDR3700v2 - NU
UBNT loco M2 x2 - airOS

Broadcom
Linksys EA6400 - Gateway, QoS
Asus N66U - AP
Netgear WNDR3700v3 - not used
MediaTek
UBNT EdgeRouter X - switch
msoengineer
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 21 Jan 2017
Posts: 1782
Location: Illinois Moderator

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 15:38    Post subject: Reply with quote
If you are having issues updating via gui, TFTP is likely not going to work either.

I would not attempt it because I have a feeling you're going to end up with a brick and then need help recovering too...

My suspicion is that in Canada something must have recently changed at TP-Link. I believe they use a world-wide firmware file from TP-Link, though the C7v5 only has one file to use for dd-wrt... So I am not 100% sure what TP-Link really does do and if they make a regional firmware or not on this version.

For some of their other routers, they do indeed use different regional files and the one's for the USA, and, newer than 2018 can be flaky due to the FCC rules saying they don't want the USA messing around with the radio settings... There was a recent BCM C9v1 router made by TP-Link that had issues with this when someone installed a USA version on an EU piece of hardware. Go read that for what I think might be also affecting you... None of those files will apply to you...TL:DR is not an excuse if you brick your device applying bad files...

My advice is to find the oldest stock firmware file and load it and then try to use the factory-to-ddwrt file. If that doesn't work, you're going to have to ask TP-Link for a special file to un-region-lock your device since you may have installed the wrong regional file on your hardware.

_________________
FORUM RULES

TIPS/TRICKS: Best QCA Wifi Settings | Latency tricks | QoS Port priority | NEVER USE MU-MIMO |
Why to NOT use MU-MIMO | Max Wifi Pwr by Country | Linux Wifi Pwr | AC MCS & AX MCS | QCA 5Ghz chnls to use | WIFI Freq WIKI | TFTP R7800 | Don't buy AX | IPERF3 How-To

[R9000]52396 nightly (Main Router)
[EA8500]43192 & 45493 (2xOffsite)
[R7800] resting
[WDR3600]BS 44715 (Offsite)
[A7v5]BS 43038 (Offsite+spare napping)
msoengineer
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 21 Jan 2017
Posts: 1782
Location: Illinois Moderator

PostPosted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 15:51    Post subject: Reply with quote
Also, you should be using 2020's 44715 as the most stable build for the time being. 45563 is a lot better than other recent builds, but there are still 2.4ghz bugs present for legacy clients and 44715 is using an older, more stable, wifi driver and should be used.
_________________
FORUM RULES

TIPS/TRICKS: Best QCA Wifi Settings | Latency tricks | QoS Port priority | NEVER USE MU-MIMO |
Why to NOT use MU-MIMO | Max Wifi Pwr by Country | Linux Wifi Pwr | AC MCS & AX MCS | QCA 5Ghz chnls to use | WIFI Freq WIKI | TFTP R7800 | Don't buy AX | IPERF3 How-To

[R9000]52396 nightly (Main Router)
[EA8500]43192 & 45493 (2xOffsite)
[R7800] resting
[WDR3600]BS 44715 (Offsite)
[A7v5]BS 43038 (Offsite+spare napping)
blkt
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 20 Jan 2019
Posts: 5660

PostPosted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 4:28    Post subject: Reply with quote
Sorry, I misread OP and thought had already installed DD-WRT and only a case of failing to upgrade.

Downgrade to the earliest Canadian C7 V5 firmware you can find, then try with stock Web GUI or TFTP.

Reset, then load factory-to-ddwrt.bin again. However...your router has been updated to 11/20/2020. Sad

TP-Link is locking things down according to this page. Older download links have been removed too.

"Note: You will be unable to downgrade to the previous firmware version after updating this firmware."

Looked around on web.archive.org and found this one (copy paste into address bar if it does not work).

https://static.tp-link.com/2019/201909/20190905/Archer%20C7%28CA%29_V5_190814.zip

Something I noticed was both CA and US files are offered on the Canadian download page.
msoengineer
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 21 Jan 2017
Posts: 1782
Location: Illinois Moderator

PostPosted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 17:33    Post subject: Reply with quote
This is bad news if TP-Link is starting to lock down all their hardware...hopefully it won't turn into a EA8500 situation.... I guess all good things must come to an end....

I've added a warning on the main TP-Link Wiki side.
BUT TL:DR will come to haunt someone guaranteed!

_________________
FORUM RULES

TIPS/TRICKS: Best QCA Wifi Settings | Latency tricks | QoS Port priority | NEVER USE MU-MIMO |
Why to NOT use MU-MIMO | Max Wifi Pwr by Country | Linux Wifi Pwr | AC MCS & AX MCS | QCA 5Ghz chnls to use | WIFI Freq WIKI | TFTP R7800 | Don't buy AX | IPERF3 How-To

[R9000]52396 nightly (Main Router)
[EA8500]43192 & 45493 (2xOffsite)
[R7800] resting
[WDR3600]BS 44715 (Offsite)
[A7v5]BS 43038 (Offsite+spare napping)
msoengineer
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 21 Jan 2017
Posts: 1782
Location: Illinois Moderator

PostPosted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 18:05    Post subject: Reply with quote
See if you can downgrade to this old 2018 stock firmware on the C7v5 US version:

https://web.archive.org/web/20190227003945/https://static.tp-link.com/2018/201803/20180327/Archer%20C7(US)_V5_180308.zip

You'll need to copy and paste that whole link as the last bit gets cut off by the forum software.

Then try to update using the downgraded stock gui and the facotry-to-dd-wrt file using build 44715.

If you still can't, that means that TP-link has locked down the firmware and you need to invest in a USB-to-serial adapter and get ready for some "hacking."

_________________
FORUM RULES

TIPS/TRICKS: Best QCA Wifi Settings | Latency tricks | QoS Port priority | NEVER USE MU-MIMO |
Why to NOT use MU-MIMO | Max Wifi Pwr by Country | Linux Wifi Pwr | AC MCS & AX MCS | QCA 5Ghz chnls to use | WIFI Freq WIKI | TFTP R7800 | Don't buy AX | IPERF3 How-To

[R9000]52396 nightly (Main Router)
[EA8500]43192 & 45493 (2xOffsite)
[R7800] resting
[WDR3600]BS 44715 (Offsite)
[A7v5]BS 43038 (Offsite+spare napping)
SecureOverAll
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 13 May 2020
Posts: 12

PostPosted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 12:16    Post subject: Reply with quote
msoengineer wrote:
If you are having issues updating via gui, TFTP is likely not going to work either.

I would not attempt it because I have a feeling you're going to end up with a brick and then need help recovering too...

My suspicion is that in Canada something must have recently changed at TP-Link. I believe they use a world-wide firmware file from TP-Link, though the C7v5 only has one file to use for dd-wrt... So I am not 100% sure what TP-Link really does do and if they make a regional firmware or not on this version.

For some of their other routers, they do indeed use different regional files and the one's for the USA, and, newer than 2018 can be flaky due to the FCC rules saying they don't want the USA messing around with the radio settings... There was a recent BCM C9v1 router made by TP-Link that had issues with this when someone installed a USA version on an EU piece of hardware. Go read that for what I think might be also affecting you... None of those files will apply to you...TL:DR is not an excuse if you brick your device applying bad files...

My advice is to find the oldest stock firmware file and load it and then try to use the factory-to-ddwrt file. If that doesn't work, you're going to have to ask TP-Link for a special file to un-region-lock your device since you may have installed the wrong regional file on your hardware.


Yes I had a feeling if Web wouldn't work tftp wouldn't work either. I've noticed they changed as there used to be older versions available and been using US versions until they only had 3 versions available one being older US version and 2 Canadian. At that time I had problems with wifi and some settings that wouldn't disable. I'll ask them about that.
Goto page 1, 2  Next Display posts from previous:    Page 1 of 2
Post new topic   Reply to topic    DD-WRT Forum Index -> Atheros WiSOC based Hardware All times are GMT

Navigation

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum