Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2021 21:41 Post subject: Upgrade FW: When to reset nvram + have human readable backup
Is there a specific version after which an upgrade to the latest beta needs a NVRAM reset? I'm running 44715 which is a bit over a year old now, and I'm thinking I should upgrade to something a bit more current, like r47665. I have a bunch of static leases, ssh key, port forwards and the msoengineer-optimized wireless settings that would all have to be re-configured if a reset is required.
I seem to remember that some change to the Atheros drivers caused issues for a few versions sometime within the last year, and a reset was the solution. But I'm getting older and my memory ain't what it used to be ...
I've been paying particular attention to how it works on the Netgear R9000, and it seems to have been fairly stable for most releases in the last 5-6 months.
With 44715 I've had issues once or twice a month where the 2.4GHz network would get wonky and I'd need to reboot the router to fix it. Unfortunately since my wife and I work from home there hasn't been a good time to devote effort to debugging it.
Joined: 08 May 2018 Posts: 14208 Location: Texas, USA
Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2021 22:28 Post subject:
You have the option to print each configuration page, popup, etc. to pdf files, as well as copying and pasting the output of 'nvram show' via telnet/ssh into a text file for further examination during reconfiguration. I only recommend a hard reset / nvram erase if problems arise after upgrading. You will want to likely use the "vanilla" 'firmware' option for both wireless radios if the "dd-wrt" option gives you problems. _________________ "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
You have the option to print each configuration page, popup, etc. to pdf files, as well as copying and pasting the output of 'nvram show' via telnet/ssh into a text file for further examination during reconfiguration. I only recommend a hard reset / nvram erase if problems arise after upgrading. You will want to likely use the "vanilla" 'firmware' option for both wireless radios if the "dd-wrt" option gives you problems.
Yup, I've already done that with every configuration change I've made in preparation for an update. Was just wondering whether my memory was accurate re: a significant change that would mandate a reset occurred within the last year. As nice as it is to have all of your settings saved in printouts, it's still a bit of a chore to re-key it all ...
Joined: 31 Jul 2021 Posts: 2146 Location: All over YOUR webs
Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2021 4:28 Post subject:
@Dodge DeBoulet
When you upgrade from significantly older version its better to start a fresh config and erasing nvram, thus avoids any gremlins that may occur for various reasons.
There are other options for backup, like for instance opening a SSH terminal to router.login and print the nvram current values to text file.
Note: substitute version with the current FW version or whatever suits your reference schema better.
Code:
nvram show > /tmp/nvram-backup-version.txt
then just SCP/SFTP/FTP the file to your desktop or preferred backup location which then can be used to manually reprogram nvram as a reference.
Don't try to restore the text file in one go, it has to one value at the time.
