Differences

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--- firmware_basics_procedures [2024/10/24 00:39] – [FCC Regulation Change Affecting Wireless Routers] -Formatting hogwild
+++ firmware_basics_procedures [2025/11/16 00:42] (current) – [Asus Firmware Restoration utility Method] hogwild
@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
  \\
-Each build is:
+Each build is: \\   \\
-  * Based on a certain FreshTomato release (e.g. 2021.7)
+  * Based on a certain release (e.g. r2021.7) \\ \\
-  * Intended for a certain hardware (e.g. Asus RT-AC68P)
+  * Intended for certain hardware (e.g. Asus RT-AC68P) \\ \\
-  * Includes a certain set of features (e.g. "AIO" or "All-In-One" build or a MiniIPV6 build)
+  * Includes a certain feature set (e.g. "All-In-One" build or MiniIPV6 build)
  \\
-The features included depend on the router's hardware and on which build/version is flashed. See the [[:feature_matrix|Feature matrix]] page for details on which features are included in each build).
+The features included depend on the router hardware and on the build/version flashed. See the [[:feature_matrix|Feature matrix]] page for details on which features are included in each build).
  \\
@@ Line 59: / Line 59: @@
 === How do I Choose which Firmware Build to Use? ===
-Make sure to carefully choose a FreshTomato build appropriate for your hardware model. Choosing the wrong build/version could brick your router if it's not appropriate for your hardware. (See bricking section below).
+Please carefully choose a FreshTomato build appropriate for your hardware model. Choosing the wrong build/version could brick your router if it's not appropriate for your hardware. (See bricking section below).
- \\
+For help choosing an appropriate build for your hardware, see the [[hardware_compatibility|Hardware compatibility]] page. For more guidance on choosing a build, see the How Do I Choose a Build? section on that page. If you're still unsure after you've read both those pages, we recommend you ask for advice on the Tomato forum.\\
-When choosing a build, you need to make note of:
+When choosing a build, you should note:
-  * The router/AP model
+ \\
-  * The hardware's revision/version number
-  * The amount of Flash RAM in your hardware
+  * The router/AP model \\ \\
+  * The hardware's revision/version number \\ \\
+  * The amount of Flash RAM in your hardware \\ \\
   * The feature set you want, that will fit in that amount of Flash RAM.
  \\
-Some hardware models have two or more hardware versions/revisions. Some of these may contain different chipsets than others. Flashing the firmware to the "same" model hardware, but wrong version or revision could brick your hardware.
+Some routers have two or more hardware versions. Some of these may contain different chipsets than others. Flashing the firmware to the "same" model hardware, but wrong hardware version could brick your hardware.
-For some models, Flash RAM is limited, so it’s also important you choose a build that takes up less storage space than is available. Otherwise, you could run out of Flash RAM and your hardware could be bricked. For help choosing a build that's appropriate for your hardware, see the [[:hardware_compatibility|Hardware compatibility]] wiki page. For more guidance on how to choose a build, see the //How Do I Choose a Build?// section on the [[:faq|FAQ]] page. If you're still unsure after you've read both those pages, we recommend you ask for advice on the Tomato forum.
+For some models, Flash RAM is limited, so it’s also important you choose a build that takes up less storage space than is available. Otherwise, you could run out of Flash RAM and your hardware could be bricked.
  \\
@@ Line 86: / Line 88: @@
  \\
-  * Never interrupt a firmware flash until it's completely finished. Be patient.
+  * Never interrupt a firmware flash until it's completely finished. Be patient. \\ \\
-  * Never turn off the router/device while the update is being flashed.
+  * Never turn off the router/device while the update is being flashed. \\ \\
-  * Never reboot your PC until a flash has completed.
+  * Never reboot your PC until a flash has completed. \\ \\
-  * Never disconnect the network connection with the router until \\ the flash is completed.
+  * Never disconnect the network connection with the router until \\ the flash is completed. \\ \\
-  * Never cancel/pause/stop the software on the PC you're using \\ to do the firmware update.
+  * Never cancel/pause/stop the software on the PC you're using \\ to do the firmware update. \\
+ \\
- \\ Doing any of the these can result in a partial update. This may leave the firmware corrupted, which can damage how the device works or even "brick it", making it useless. See the "//Can I Recover from a Bad Flash//?" section below to learn more about unbricking your router.
+Doing any of the above can result in a partial update. This may leave the firmware corrupted, and can damage how the device works or even "brick it", making it useless. See the "//Can I Recover from a Bad Flash//?" section below to learn more about unbricking your router.
  \\
@@ Line 98: / Line 100: @@
 **Can I Recover from a Bad Firmware Flash?**
-Yes, quite often, but not always. This depends on factors, including:
+Yes, quite often, but not always. This depends on factors, including: \\   \\
-  - What went wrong
+  - What went wrong \\ \\
-  - At what stage in the flashing process it went wrong, and sometimes even;
+  - At what stage in the flashing process it went wrong, and sometimes even; \\ \\
   - Which brand of hardware you tried to flash.
@@ Line 110: / Line 112: @@
  \\
-  - At least twice, follow the steps to hardware reset your router to factory defaults. \\ This usually involves a physical reset button on the case. \\ Sometimes, incorrect settings can be "sticky" in NVRAM \\ from previous firmware and need resetting for the router to work properly.
+  - At least twice, follow the steps to hardware reset your router to factory defaults. \\ This usually involves a physical reset button on the case. \\ Sometimes, incorrect settings can be "sticky" in NVRAM \\ from previous firmware and need resetting for the router to work properly. \\ \\
-  - On Netgear hardware, try using the third-party nmrpflash utility program. \\ This unbrick program has saved many Netgear routers from the garbage. \\ [[https://github.com/jclehner/nmrpflash|https://github.com/jclehner/nmrpflash]]
+  - On Netgear hardware, try using the third-party nmrpflash utility program. \\ This unbrick program has saved many Netgear routers. \\  [[https://github.com/jclehner/nmrpflash|https://github.com/jclehner/nmrpflash]] \\ \\
-  - Use the Tomato forum's Search box to get advice on unbricking your model. \\ Often, other users know other tricks to get your model working.
+  - Use the Tomato forum's Search box to get advice on unbricking your model. \\ Often, other users know other tricks to get your model working. \\ \\
   - If all else fails, you may want to try opening your router and checking for a \\ serial interface. This is usually a small group of 3-8 pins or pads on the \\ main circuit board to which you connect a USB-->serial interface converter. \\ If your router has one, check in the forum or Google for instructions.
@@ Line 121: / Line 123: @@
 NVRAM is the part of non-volatile memory where settings and parameters are stored.
-FreshTomato can sometimes retain some NVRAM variables (settings) even after you flash a new firmware image. Therefore, it's very important to erase NVRAM before flashing. Doing so ensures all variables from existing firmware are erased before flashing begins. Erasing NVRAM before flashing is an important step that should NEVER be skipped.
+FreshTomato can sometimes retain some NVRAM variables settings even after you flash a new firmware image. Therefore, it's very important to //erase NVRAM before flashing//. Doing so ensures all variables from existing firmware are erased before flashing begins. Erasing NVRAM before flashing is an important step that should NEVER be skipped.
  \\
@@ Line 127: / Line 129: @@
 === What's a "Dirty Flash"?  Why Should I Avoid Doing One? ===
-A "dirty flash" is one performed without thoroughly wiping NVRAM before/after flashing. It often leads to strange, unexplained symptoms, like web interface pages that don't display properly, "missing" menu items, and just generally buggy or unstable operation. No matter how tempted you are to "save time", please don't do a dirty flash. You'll likely waste time with strange symptoms and regret it.
+A "dirty flash" is one performed without thoroughly wiping NVRAM before/after flashing. It often leads to strange, unexplained symptoms, like web interface pages that don't display properly, "missing" menu items, and generally buggy, slow or unstable operation. No matter how tempted you are to "save time", please don't do a dirty flash. You'll likely waste time with strange symptoms and regret it.
  \\
@@ Line 137: / Line 139: @@
  \\
-The method you use depends on several things:
+The method you use depends on several things: \\   \\
- \\
+  * The brand/model/revision of your hardware. \\ \\
+  * The age of your hardware. \\ \\
-  * The brand/model/revision of your hardware.
+  * Whether the vendor allows that hardware to be flashed \\ from the firmware it came with. \\ \\
-  * The age of your hardware.
-  * Whether the vendor allows that hardware to be flashed from the \\ firmware it came with.
   * Which firmware you're trying to flash: stock (vendor), or FreshTomato.
@@ Line 160: / Line 160: @@
 ==== AsusWRT Web Interface Method ====
-This flashing method is only possible for builds of release 2022.3 and later.  In this example, we will flash an RT-AC68U model.
+This flashing method is only possible for builds of r2022.3 and later.  In this example, we will flash an RT-AC68U model.
  \\
@@ Line 185: / Line 185: @@
  \\
-  * SDK6 MIPS & ARM Models (like the Asus RT-N18U or RT-AC68U): \\ Since release 2022.3, you can upgrade from AsusWRT to FreshTomato \\ or vice versa via the web interface.
+  * SDK6 MIPS & ARM Models (like the Asus RT-N18U or RT-AC68U): \\ Since r2022.3, you can upgrade from AsusWRT to FreshTomato \\ or vice versa via the web interface. \\ \\
-  * SDK7 routers (like RT-AC3200) and SDK714 routers such as \\ the Asus RT-AC5300, RT-AC3100: Since release 2022.6, these models \\ support upgrades via the web interface.
+  * SDK7 routers (like RT-AC3200) and SDK714 routers such as \\ the Asus RT-AC5300, RT-AC3100: Since r2022.6, these models \\ support upgrades via the web interface. \\ \\
   * Asus RT-AC1900U upgrades may require FreshTomato firmware for \\ the Asus RT-AC68U.
@@ Line 208: / Line 208: @@
  \\
-  - Ensure you have only an Ethernet connection between your PC and router. \\ Disconnect all other Ethernet cables from the router-they can cause problems. \\ Some people have flashed via WiFi, but for maximum stability, flash only via Ethernet. \\ Never attempt to flash via a WAN connection. It's risky. \\ \\
+  - Ensure there is only an Ethernet connection between your PC and router. \\ Disconnect all other Ethernet cables from the router-they can cause problems. \\ Some people have flashed via WiFi, but for maximum stability, flash only via Ethernet. \\ Never attempt to flash via a WAN connection. It's risky. \\ \\
   - Download and install Asus Firmware Restoration from the website:
-    - In the Support section of Asus' website, find your router/hardware model.
+    - In the Support section of Asus' website, find your router/hardware model. \\ \\
-    - Click "Software and Utility" and specify your Windows version. \\ (Windows 11 users may have to choose Windows 10 for the program).
+    - Click "Software and Utility" and specify your Windows version. \\ (Windows 11 users may have to choose Windows 10 for the program). \\ \\
-    - Find/download the latest version of the utility.
+    - Find/download the latest version of the utility. \\ \\
-    - Install the Firmware Restoration program. \\ \\
+    - Install the Firmware Restoration program. \\ \\ \\ \\
-  - Download the appropriate FreshTomato image file:// //
+  - Download the appropriate FreshTomato image file:// // \\ \\
-    - Download an appropriate FreshTomato image file for your router. \\ If you've read the Basic Concepts above, see the [[:faq|FAQ]] for the file name \\ convention for builds. \\ See the [[:hardware_compatibility|Hardware Compatibility]] wiki page for help choosing \\ an appropriate image file for your hardware. \\ If you're still not sure after reading those, ask for help on \\ the Tomato forum:  [[https://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php?forums/tomato-firmware.33/|Tomato Forum]]
+    - Download an appropriate FreshTomato image file for your router. \\ If you've read the Basic Concepts above, see the [[:faq|FAQ]] for the file name \\ convention for builds. \\ \\ See the [[:hardware_compatibility|Hardware Compatibility]] wiki page for help choosing \\ an appropriate image file for your hardware. \\ If you're still not sure after reading those, ask for help on \\ the Tomato forum:  [[https://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php?forums/tomato-firmware.33/|Tomato Forum]] \\ \\
     - Download the latest Asus firmware for your router so that if the \\ FreshTomato flash fails, you can flash back to Asus firmware. \\  \\ Remember, with no working router, you might be unable to download \\ firmware on your network until it's working again. \\ \\
-  - Clear the NVRAM:
+  - Clear the NVRAM: \\ \\
-    - Clear NVRAM by restoring factory defaults in the Asus interface. \\ This resets settings to defaults and ensures \\ there's enough memory to perform a flash. The process of clearing NVRAM \\ varies, depending on your model. \\ To wipe NVRAM settings within stock Asus firmware:
+    - Clear NVRAM by restoring factory defaults in the Asus interface. \\ This resets settings to defaults and ensures \\ there's enough memory to perform a flash. The process of clearing NVRAM \\ varies, depending on your model. \\ To wipe NVRAM settings within stock Asus firmware: \\ \\
-      - Click on the “Administration” menu.
+      - Click on the “Administration” menu. \\ \\
-      - Click on the “Restore/Save/Upload” Setting tab.
+      - Click on the “Restore/Save/Upload” Setting tab. \\ \\
-      - Beside “Factory Default”, click the Restore button. \\ \\ {{::asus_rt-ac68u-admin-restore_settings.jpg?614|Clearing NVRAM settings in Asus stock firmware}} \\ \\ \\ This method may not work perfectly. If it fails, try the hardware button method below. \\
+      - Beside “Factory Default”, click the Restore button. \\ \\ {{::asus_rt-ac68u-admin-restore_settings.jpg?614|Clearing NVRAM settings in Asus stock firmware}} \\ \\ \\ This method may not work perfectly. If it fails, try the hardware button method below. \\ \\
-    - Wipe NVRAM on most current Asus models using the hardware button method:
+    - Wipe NVRAM on most current Asus models using the hardware button method: \\ \\
-      - Unplug the AC adapter from the back of the router.
+      - Unplug the AC adapter from the back of the router. \\ \\
-      - Hold down the WPS button and reinsert the power connector. \\ Continue to hold the WPS button for 30 seconds.
+      - Hold down the WPS button and reinsert the power connector. \\ Continue to hold the WPS button for 30 seconds. \\ \\
       - Release the WPS button. All front LEDs should blink once \\ to signal NVRAM was cleared. \\ If you have trouble, check the \\ user manual or the manufacturer's FAQ for your model. \\ \\
-  - Configure your PC with a static address and disable all WiFi \\ interfaces on your PC.\\ In Rescue Mode, the DHCP server is not available, so your client \\ will need a static IP address.  \\ In some cases, DHCP might prevent Firmware Restoration from \\ completing the flash. \\ In some cases, DHCP prevents connection to the router after flashing, \\ when the DHCP server isn't yet available. \\ \\
+  - Configure your PC with a static address and disable all WiFi \\ interfaces on your PC.\\ \\ In Rescue Mode, the DHCP server is not available, so your client \\ will need a static IP address.  \\ \\ In some cases, DHCP might prevent Firmware Restoration from \\ completing the flash. \\ \\ In some cases, DHCP prevents connection to the router after flashing, \\ when the DHCP server isn't yet available. \\ \\
-  - Enable Rescue Mode on the router. Typically, for Asus routers, \\ this is done as follows:
+  - Enable Rescue Mode on the router. Typically, for Asus routers, \\ this is done as follows: \\ \\
-    - Remove the AC adapter plug from the back of the router.
+    - Remove the AC adapter plug from the back of the router. \\ \\
-    - Hold down the Reset button while plugging in the power cable \\ again so the power turns on.
+    - Hold down the Reset button while plugging in the power cable \\ again so the power turns on. \\ \\
-    - Continue to hold Reset until the Power LED starts to slowly flash \\ on and off.
+    - Continue to hold Reset until the Power LED starts to slowly flash \\ on and off. \\ \\
-    - Release the Reset button.
+    - Release the Reset button. \\ \\
     - Move quickly to step 7. Firmware Restoration has a timeout period.\\  If flashing doesn't occur,  \\ you'll have to enable Rescue mode again. \\ \\
-  - Flash FreshTomato
+  - Flash FreshTomato \\ \\
-    - Run Firmware Restoration. Click "Browse..."
+    - Run Firmware Restoration. Click "Browse..." \\ \\
     - Select the correct .trx firmware file for your router. Click "Open". \\ \\ {{::asus_firmware_restoration-browse.jpg?637}}  \\ \\
-    - Click "Upload". Ignore any warnings that the firmware is incompatible. \\ Click "OK" at the prompt.
+    - Click "Upload". Ignore any warnings that the firmware is incompatible. \\ Click "OK" at the prompt. \\ \\
-    - The utility should begin scanning for your router device, then slowly \\ uploading the firmware. \\ \\
+    - The utility should begin scanning for your router, then slowly \\ uploading the firmware. \\ \\
-  - Wait until flashing is complete. **The completion progress bar isn't accurate**.  \\ Flashing is complete only when the power LED comes back on. \\ Be patient. This portion can take up to 45 minutes. \\ DO NOT PANIC if the program says the upload isn't complete, or if it hangs. \\ Wait another 10 to 15 minutes. \\ When the process is complete, the router should automatically turn on and off.
+  - Wait until flashing is complete. **The completion progress bar isn't accurate**.  \\ Flashing is complete only when the power LED comes back on. \\ Be patient. This portion can take up to 45 minutes. \\ \\ DON'T PANIC if the program says the upload isn't complete, or if it hangs. \\ \\ When the process is complete, the router should automatically turn on and off.
-    - The router should now let clients connect. Open a web browser to: \\ "192.168.1.1" and net mask: "255.255.255.0". \\ You should see a login screen. Enter username: “root”, and password: \\ “admin” to log on.\\ \\
+    - The router should now let clients connect. \\ \\ Open a web browser to: \\ "192.168.1.1" and net mask: "255.255.255.0". \\ You should see a login screen. Enter username: “root”, and password: \\ “admin” to log on.\\ \\
-  - From within FreshTomato, clear NVRAM contents again:
+  - From within FreshTomato, clear NVRAM contents again: \\ \\
-    - Under Administration, click Configuration.
+    - Under Administration, click Configuration. \\ \\
     - In Restore Default Configuration, choose //Erase all data in NVRAM memory//. Click "OK". \\ \\ {{freshtomato-erase_nvram.jpg?654}}
@@ Line 252: / Line 252: @@
 In such cases:
-  - Reboot the router once or twice more.
+ \\
-  - Clear your browser cache before putting the router in operation. \\ Web browsers may cache data that shouldn't be cached.
+  - Reboot the router once or twice more. \\ \\
+  - Clear your browser cache before putting the router in operation. \\ Web browsers may cache data that shouldn't be cached. \\ \\
   - Refresh the page. Any problems caused by cached browser data \\ should disappear.
@@ Line 260: / Line 262: @@
 If problems persist, try the following:
-  - Clear your web browser cache again.
+ \\
-  - Erase NVRAM once more.
+  - Clear your web browser cache again. \\ \\
+  - Erase NVRAM once more. \\ \\
   - Reboot the router at least twice more.
  \\
-If the router still acts strangely at that point, you should request help on the Tomato Web forum.
+If the router still acts strangely at that point, it's best to request help on the Tomato Web forum.
  \\
@@ Line 283: / Line 287: @@
  \\
-  - Reset the router NVRAM to defaults, as described above.
+  - Reset the router NVRAM to defaults, as described above. \\ \\
-  - Put the router into Rescue Mode, as described above.
+  - Put the router into Rescue Mode, as described above. \\ \\
-  - Put the FreshTomato firmware file in the same folder as your \\ tftp program.
+  - Put the FreshTomato firmware file in the same folder as your \\ tftp program. \\ \\
-  - Open a command prompt, and change directories to the folder \\ containing the firmware. Then type: \\ ''“tftp –I  PUT filename.trx <IP address of router>"''  \\ but **DO NOT** press Enter.
+  - Open a command prompt, and change directories to the folder \\ containing the firmware. Then type: \\ \\ ''“tftp –I  PUT filename.trx <IP address of router>"''  \\ \\ but **DO NOT** press Enter. \\ \\
-  - (Replace "filename.trx" with an appropriate image file name for \\ your model)
+  - (Replace "filename.trx" with an appropriate image file name for \\ your model) \\ \\
-  - Unplug the AC adapter from the router. Hold down the Reset button \\ while reconnecting the AC adapter.
+  - Unplug the AC adapter from the router. Hold down the Reset button \\ while reconnecting the AC adapter. \\ \\
-  - When the power light starts slowly blinking, let go of the Reset button.
+  - When the power light starts slowly blinking, let go of the Reset button. \\ \\
-  - Press enter at the above command line to start the tftp upload process.
+  - Press enter at the above command line to start the tftp upload process. \\ \\
-  - Wait at least 10 minutes for the upload to complete.
+  - Wait at least 10 minutes for the upload to complete. \\ \\
-  - If successful, you'll be taken to the FreshTomato logon screen.
+  - If successful, you'll be taken to the logon screen. \\ \\
   - Log on to FreshTomato and reset NVRAM, as in the above screenshot.
  \\
-Rescue Mode has a timeout period that limits how long you have to start firmware upload. If the timeout expires, you may need to put the hardware into Rescue Mode again and restart the flashing process.
+Rescue Mode has a timeout period which limits how long you have to start firmware upload. If the timeout expires, you may need to put the hardware into Rescue Mode again and restart the flashing process.
  \\ \\
@@ Line 344: / Line 348: @@
 === For models: ===
+ \\
- \\
   * ea6200
   * ea6350v1
+ \\
 [[https://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php?threads/linksys-ea6200-ea6350v1-freshtomato-arm-discussion.74916/|Linksys-EA6200/EA6350v1 Freshtomato-ARM & Discussion.]]
  \\
+ \\
 === For models: ===
  \\
   * ea6300v1
   * ea6400
@@ Line 363: / Line 364: @@
   * ea6700
   * ea6900v1
+ \\
 [[https://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php?threads/guide-flash-linksys-ea6300v1-ea6400-ea6500v2-ea6700-ea6900v1-0-1-1-with-tomato.73877/|How to flash Linksys EA6300v1, EA6400, EA6500v2, EA6700, EA6900v1.0/1.1 with Tomato]]
@@ Line 370: / Line 371: @@
 If you're still not sure what to do, post an question on the [[https://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php?forums/tomato-firmware.33/|Tomato forum]] to avoid problems.
-You should also read the Notes section at the bottom of this page for details on general flashing basics.
+It's also a good idea to read the Notes section at the bottom of this page for details on general flashing basics.

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