Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 0:05 Post subject: Trying to install DD-WRT on a R7800 but I am stuck
Hi,
I'm trying to flash a Netgear R7800 with DD-WRT. I am following the instructions in "Netgear R7800 Install Guide v29.pdf" from https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=320614 but am stuck at "Backup stock firmware" step 4e.
The instructions in the PDF are "a little vague" for a noob like me. I suppose the point is to back up each partition on the router to separate BIN files. So I extrapolated and did the following:
I cannot seem to copy "overlay_volume". The file shows as 0 bytes on my USB stick. This is where I am stuck.
Also, how can I see if the router has a case of bad blocks? Apparently this can be seen by using the command "dmesg", but..I can't see any message indicating a bad block. I do however notice the following at the end:
"[Warning] skb_warn_bad_offload!!!"
Is this something of significance? Am I screwed?
I do not want to brick my router. Awaiting further instructions. Thank you.
Joined: 08 May 2018 Posts: 14246 Location: Texas, USA
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 9:55 Post subject:
Uhm, did we leave the door open for people to nuke this out? Flash latest factory-to-ddwrt.img and go. Was there a specific update to address the bad blocks issue that would require all this?
Joined: 08 May 2018 Posts: 14246 Location: Texas, USA
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 11:01 Post subject:
Well, I know at some point bad block handling was added to the Official firmware images. That is always a safe bet starting point, I just don't remember which version. I do know if you leave room for people to nuke it out, they will, which only creates more unnecessary confusion. But hey, it is awesome that you went to that depth!
P.S. I should probably clarify "nuke it out" (see #4):
Joined: 08 May 2018 Posts: 14246 Location: Texas, USA
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 12:06 Post subject:
Sorry for not being 100% on top of every change to the manual . Perhaps this should migrate to the wiki and maintain updates there? If you don't have a wiki account, I'm sure we could transcribe it
So if I understand correctly, I should just choose a firmware version starting with build 44809, flash factory-to-ddwrt.img and I am good to go, even with potential bad blocks?
I was able to install DD-WRT version 40270 onto the router, but now I am stuck again at step 11 of "First Flash" in the PDF.
I tried logging in with telnet via Windows and via Putty..but all I am getting is "login incorrect" or something.. Also, I cannot see the password I am typing and the telnet window disappears after a while. I am able to login via a browser (I am using Palemoon), but not always. I had to turn off the router a couple of times because I couldn't connect. Everything seems unstable..
I was able to upgrade to DD-WRT version 47074. I notice some issues though.
- The GUI sometimes freezes in both Firefox and Palemoon.
- The 5GHz wifi doesn't appear on my phone when enabled, only the 2.4GHz.
Also, is there any way to change the MAC addresses of the device (LAN and wireless)? I tried "MAC Address Clone" but this apparently impacts only the WAN port (correct?). The option for "wireless" doesn't change anything as far as I can see..
Btw, can I just shut down the device by pressing the power button?