[Solved] Help please, bricked router after installing...

Post new topic   Reply to topic    DD-WRT Forum Index -> Broadcom SoC based Hardware
Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
Author Message
mccurly
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 25 Jul 2018
Posts: 44

PostPosted: Tue Sep 07, 2021 23:21    Post subject: [Solved] Help please, bricked router after installing... Reply with quote
Hello everyone!

Hope you are all ok!

Me? Could be better... Confused

To the point:

After installing (web) version compiled in 31 of august from this year 2021 (from the router own command line interface), I issued nvram erase and subsequently rebooted. Only to find that the router got stuck into boot loop.. Sad :'(

This router that I speak of is an Archer C9 v.4 from TP-LINK.

I am curretly trying to recover this router to shape with its factory (TP-Link's) firmware.

I managed to connect (to) a responsive serial ttl CFE prompt, but, no matter what I do, router doesn't accept served firmware at the request that seeks to download files from my, meanwhile, tftp server, standing at 192.168.0.0.


If someone could lend a hand it would be very nice.


I'll post more details after if need be.

Thanks for your time and patiance!

Cheers!

_________________
Villager of the Globe we all live in.

Used dd-wrt on:

ARCHER C9 - V.4 (EU)

(In a lingering "resurrection" state, will it revive? Stay tuned folks... Wink )

And

NETGEAR R7000



Cheers to fellow villagers!


Last edited by mccurly on Wed Sep 08, 2021 19:02; edited 1 time in total
Sponsor
kernel-panic69
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 08 May 2018
Posts: 14125
Location: Texas, USA

PostPosted: Tue Sep 07, 2021 23:47    Post subject: Reply with quote
TFTP server should be at 192.168.0.66; I presume you are talking about one of three alpha builds that were compiled on 8/31/21, and not the 8/30 public beta. No idea why you did a hard reset; not necessarily required...

https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/TP_Link_Archer_C9

https://openwrt.org/toh/tp-link/archer-c9

_________________
"Life is but a fleeting moment, a vapor that vanishes quickly; All is vanity"
Contribute To DD-WRT
Pogo - A minimal level of ability is expected and needed...
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (PolitePol)
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (RSS Everything)

----------------------
Linux User #377467 counter.li.org / linuxcounter.net
jerryjyrer
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 20 Dec 2017
Posts: 17

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 8:02    Post subject: Re: Help please, bricked router after installing 31-08-2021. Reply with quote
Similar experience., Something might be wrong with the firmware around the end of Aug. Solved mine. This might help

https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=1245356
mccurly
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 25 Jul 2018
Posts: 44

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 9:07    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hello again.

@kernel-panic69 and @jerryjyrer , thank you both for your help.

I will follow both your leads. In the hope that I can still rescue this hardware.

I noticed that my OP has (at least) one mistake/typo, since I posted it almost "daydreaming" (or should I say "day...maring.."... Rolling Eyes ) I was very tired then, so instead of typing the address of the ethernet interface on top of wich was the tftp server, I typed 192.168.0.0. But, really, I did set tftp server up at of 192.168.0.66.

Well, as I said, time now for digging/following both your advices.

Will return for/with updates!

Thank you and see you soon!

_________________
Villager of the Globe we all live in.

Used dd-wrt on:

ARCHER C9 - V.4 (EU)

(In a lingering "resurrection" state, will it revive? Stay tuned folks... Wink )

And

NETGEAR R7000



Cheers to fellow villagers!
kernel-panic69
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 08 May 2018
Posts: 14125
Location: Texas, USA

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 13:44    Post subject: Reply with quote
A v1 and v4 ... recovery methods are not the same. How many times are you going to brick this thing?
_________________
"Life is but a fleeting moment, a vapor that vanishes quickly; All is vanity"
Contribute To DD-WRT
Pogo - A minimal level of ability is expected and needed...
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (PolitePol)
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (RSS Everything)

----------------------
Linux User #377467 counter.li.org / linuxcounter.net
mccurly
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 25 Jul 2018
Posts: 44

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 14:19    Post subject: Reply with quote
kernel-panic69 wrote:
A v1 and v4 ... recovery methods are not the same. How many times are you going to brick this thing?



Hi, thank you.

Where then should I go?

I know from your comment that I shouldn't use the same "script" for this procedure.

But do you know which "script" should I follow?

Can you please lead me to it?

Thank you again.

_________________
Villager of the Globe we all live in.

Used dd-wrt on:

ARCHER C9 - V.4 (EU)

(In a lingering "resurrection" state, will it revive? Stay tuned folks... Wink )

And

NETGEAR R7000



Cheers to fellow villagers!
mccurly
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 25 Jul 2018
Posts: 44

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 19:01    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hello again!!!

It's resolved!!!

Initial note (after the first recovery attempts with the commands)

Code:
CFE> flash -offset=15728640 -noheader 192.168.0.66:C9-V3-Fix-R5.bin flash0

  CFE> nvram erase
 
  CFE> reboot


I lost the possibility to use the router's web interface to recover Sad (for example)


Thus,

I followed this to restore the router after this brick:

https://github.com/sowbug/archer-c9-back-to-stock

And to do it with the best possible security I tested the process to see if the files obtained were identical. (They were obviously identical)

Then,

And I created the web recovery image from the stock file obtained from:

wget https://static.tp-link.com/2018/201802/20180224/Archer%20C9%28EU%29_V4_171215.zip (which is the same as the corresponding file for the US region that is present in that github repository)

Note: This stock-firmware is what I modified to flash at the first recovery time. (when I used tftp server).

Later, in the web interface recovery phase, I used the older firmware obtained from this link https://static.tp-link.com/Archer_C9%26EU%29_V4_161018_1479287836363l.zip


Let's go to the procedures:

I. Prepared:

A) The serial console with the minicom program and the settings below (in the minicom program you configure and save the configuration through a text interface)

Code:
minicom -s


...and the parameters indicated in the dd-wrt wiki https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Serial_Recovery for serial recovery, ie:

Baud: 115200
Date bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
parity: none
Flow control: None

B) I turned off the firewall.

Code:
 sudo systemctl --disable ufw


C) prepared the tftp server (tftp-hpa)

and I made the files available

1. "c9v3-webflash.bin" (renamed to "ArcherC9v3_tp_recovery.bin")

which was obtained by the process outlined in the gitbub repository referred to above.

2. the "C9-V3-Fix-R5.bin" (from @TheDoc obtained from the site: https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=1116019#111601"

at url: https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/download.php?id=40551



D) Then I started the recovery process itself:

1. I connected the router to the ttl usb adapter and the computer lan cable to a lan port on the router.

2. set the address 192.168.0.66 with the netmask 255.255.255.0 in the respective interface:

Code:
sudo ip a add 192.168.0.66/24 dev <interface name>


3. I turned on the router and, on the minicom interface I accessed the "CFE>" prompt

(by pressing Cntrl-C quickly and successively until you get this prompt)

4. at this prompt I ran the @TheDoc command:

Code:
flash -offset=15728640 -noheader 192.168.0.66:C9-V3-Fix-R5.bin flash0


which resulted in perfection:

Code:
*** command status = 0


5. Then, taking good advice from @TheDoc , I proceeded to the tftp recovery process:

(at the same time I ran the command)

Code:
CFE>reboot


I pressed the WPS/RESET button and verified that the file

ArcherC9v3_tp_recovery.bin was flashed.

(I say this because, contrary to previous recovery attempts, and after what I describe below, I was able to access the recovery interface from a web page through the browser)

After flashing ArcherC9v3_tp_recovery.bin, the router went into bootloop. And, as I couldn't interrupt the bootloop from the serial console, I was forced to unplug the router from the plug and wait a moment.

Afterwards, I plugged the router back to to the mains, and managed to interrupt the bootloop process with the "Ctrl-C" keys. And then I notice that the router was available at the ip address 192.168.0.1. I point the browser to that address and "surprise!" there was a web interface available too!!!!

So I decided to try flashing the firmware:

Code:
"ArcherC9v4-1_3_0-up_boot-161018-ca_eu_us.bin"


(and... again astonishment!!!) it worked!!!


So, at the moment I have this version "ArcherC9v4-1_3_0-up_boot-161018-ca_eu_us.bin" installed and I will later see if I can flash the dd-wrt again.

@kernel-panic69 Hope I don't spend too much time turning my router to brick.

Anyway, thank you very much to everyone!!!

_________________
Villager of the Globe we all live in.

Used dd-wrt on:

ARCHER C9 - V.4 (EU)

(In a lingering "resurrection" state, will it revive? Stay tuned folks... Wink )

And

NETGEAR R7000



Cheers to fellow villagers!
kernel-panic69
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 08 May 2018
Posts: 14125
Location: Texas, USA

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 19:33    Post subject: Reply with quote
I presume the older firmware ArcherC9v4-1_3_0-up_boot-161018-ca_eu_us.bin is required to flash DD-WRT from the webUI; I have one of these that is on the newer version Archer C9(US)_V4_161114 which will not allow flashing that version or DD-WRT and the only option is to TFTP flash either DD-WRT or the older ca_eu_us image. My intention was to figure out why the US firmware won't accept DD-WRT. P.S. all you had to do was read the wiki and forum threads like I previously said.
_________________
"Life is but a fleeting moment, a vapor that vanishes quickly; All is vanity"
Contribute To DD-WRT
Pogo - A minimal level of ability is expected and needed...
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (PolitePol)
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (RSS Everything)

----------------------
Linux User #377467 counter.li.org / linuxcounter.net
mccurly
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 25 Jul 2018
Posts: 44

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 20:30    Post subject: Reply with quote
kernel-panic69 wrote:
I presume the older firmware ArcherC9v4-1_3_0-up_boot-161018-ca_eu_us.bin is required to flash DD-WRT from the webUI; I have one of these that is on the newer version Archer C9(US)_V4_161114 which will not allow flashing that version or DD-WRT and the only option is to TFTP flash either DD-WRT or the older ca_eu_us image. My intention was to figure out why the US firmware won't accept DD-WRT. P.S. all you had to do was read the wiki and forum threads like I previously said.


Yes that's what I did.

So thank you is in order.

And also you say that one shouldn't upgrade TP-Link firmware if one wishes to flash it to a dd-wrt firmware. Correct?

I am going to migrate to dd-wrt (again) so I will not upgrade TP-Link stock firmware.

One last thing: What dd-wrt version do you recommend?

Cheers! Thank you!

_________________
Villager of the Globe we all live in.

Used dd-wrt on:

ARCHER C9 - V.4 (EU)

(In a lingering "resurrection" state, will it revive? Stay tuned folks... Wink )

And

NETGEAR R7000



Cheers to fellow villagers!
kernel-panic69
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 08 May 2018
Posts: 14125
Location: Texas, USA

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 20:36    Post subject: Reply with quote
I always recommend the latest, which is currently 47381

https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=330190

https://download1.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/downloads/betas/2021/09-08-2021-r47381/tplink_archer-c9v4/

If there are issues, you can always downgrade; just ensure that you read the build threads, first. Please flash and report in the correct build thread when you do flash.

_________________
"Life is but a fleeting moment, a vapor that vanishes quickly; All is vanity"
Contribute To DD-WRT
Pogo - A minimal level of ability is expected and needed...
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (PolitePol)
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (RSS Everything)

----------------------
Linux User #377467 counter.li.org / linuxcounter.net
jerryjyrer
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 20 Dec 2017
Posts: 17

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 20:39    Post subject: Reply with quote
mccurly wrote:
Hello again!!!

It's resolved!!!



Awesome. Congratulations!! I might be a good idea to link this in
https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/TP_Link_Archer_C9

I find much less information about recovering V4.
kernel-panic69
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 08 May 2018
Posts: 14125
Location: Texas, USA

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 20:50    Post subject: Reply with quote
Where do you think the information came from? The Doc's fix is linked, all the information is linked. The only 'new' information is the link to sowbug's git. BUT, I linked this thread FFR.
_________________
"Life is but a fleeting moment, a vapor that vanishes quickly; All is vanity"
Contribute To DD-WRT
Pogo - A minimal level of ability is expected and needed...
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (PolitePol)
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (RSS Everything)

----------------------
Linux User #377467 counter.li.org / linuxcounter.net
mccurly
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 25 Jul 2018
Posts: 44

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 21:07    Post subject: Reply with quote
jerryjyrer wrote:
Awesome. Congratulations!! I might be a good idea to link this in
https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/TP_Link_Archer_C9

I find much less information about recovering V4.


Hi @jerryjyrer, I agree with @kernel-panic69:

kernel-panic69 wrote:
(...)The Doc's fix is linked, all the information is linked. The only 'new' information is the link to sowbug's git.


Yes totally correct.

Besides, I think (although not 100% sure) that what happened to my router was something particular, which would not make this solution a general "wiki wise" eligible solution. But I am not making that call. If this type of problem/solution gets more and more frequent then why not. But until then I think it is not that a necessity.

kernel-panic69 wrote:
I always recommend the latest, which is currently 47381


Alright then. 47381 It'll be.

I'll post at that build thread the proceedings... Smile

Cheers!

_________________
Villager of the Globe we all live in.

Used dd-wrt on:

ARCHER C9 - V.4 (EU)

(In a lingering "resurrection" state, will it revive? Stay tuned folks... Wink )

And

NETGEAR R7000



Cheers to fellow villagers!
mccurly
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 25 Jul 2018
Posts: 44

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 21:38    Post subject: Reply with quote
kernel-panic69 wrote:
I always recommend the latest, which is currently 47381

https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=330190

https://download1.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/downloads/betas/2021/09-08-2021-r47381/tplink_archer-c9v4/

If there are issues, you can always downgrade; just ensure that you read the build threads, first. Please flash and report in the correct build thread when you do flash.


Crying or Very sad

Unfortunately router's bricked (semi) again. I think it can only bear TP-Link's own firmware now. No chance to get back to dd-wrt... At least with this... "beast" Sad...

I am pondering if posting back at the build's thread would even be relevant.

I am tired...

Gonna have supper now.


Cheers.. See you on some other occasion.

All the best! That's all for now!

_________________
Villager of the Globe we all live in.

Used dd-wrt on:

ARCHER C9 - V.4 (EU)

(In a lingering "resurrection" state, will it revive? Stay tuned folks... Wink )

And

NETGEAR R7000



Cheers to fellow villagers!
kernel-panic69
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 08 May 2018
Posts: 14125
Location: Texas, USA

PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 22:56    Post subject: Reply with quote
I guess it's imperative that I focus on the one that's on my bench to come up with a solution, then. I think the only way this one can be flashed currently is via some kinda magic voodoo. The github site you linked said that the v4 uses the same jffs filesystem that the v5 does; the v5 is not currently supported because of that nonsense.
_________________
"Life is but a fleeting moment, a vapor that vanishes quickly; All is vanity"
Contribute To DD-WRT
Pogo - A minimal level of ability is expected and needed...
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (PolitePol)
DD-WRT Releases 2023 (RSS Everything)

----------------------
Linux User #377467 counter.li.org / linuxcounter.net
Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next Display posts from previous:    Page 1 of 3
Post new topic   Reply to topic    DD-WRT Forum Index -> Broadcom SoC 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 can attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum