after upgrade to 384.5beta2, can't downgrade or change firmware

[Sas]

Hi, while trying to diagnose some network issues I decided to try the latest firmware (384.5beta2 on my ac68u) and now I am unable to install any other firmware. I can't downgrade to my previous 384.4_2, nor install the official latest ASUS firmware (RT-AC68U_3.0.0.4_384_20648-g21e3702).

The files upload normally, and the message indicates that the firmware upgrades were a success, but the firmware version listed stays always at 384.5beta2.

I have also tried "Restore" and "Initialize" in the Administration area, but it has no effect on the firmware version (just erases all my settings).

I have further tried ssh into the router and issued the command "mtd-erase2 nvram" and then rebooting but this also changes nothing related to the firmware.

Any suggestions for how I can either downgrade the Merlin firmware or install the stock latest from Asus?

 

[AndreiV]

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/faq-nvram-and-factory-default-reset.22822/

Try the Factory Default Reset.

 

[Sas]

I did that already (at least as described in your linked post), and sadly it is still stuck at 384.5beta2

 

[RMerlin]

Asus changed the validation process for the RT-AC68U. You cannot downgrade from 384.5 or 3.0.0.4.384_20xxx to previous versions. Asus's 20648 release should flash just fine.

Try using their Firmware Restoration tool, it might possibly work - untested.

 

[Sas]

Asus changed the validation process for the RT-AC68U. You cannot downgrade from 384.5 or 3.0.0.4.384_20xxx to previous versions. Asus's 20648 release should flash just fine.

Try using their Firmware Restoration tool, it might possibly work - untested.

Thanks I just tried restore of several firmware files, they all failed (no error btw, the screen went from min web restore server page to blank after some time)

 

[Sas]

I just tried to upgrade my 384.5beta2 to the just released 384.5_0 and it will not upgrade. The firmware uploads and the progress bar shows, but then nothing changes and it was never even rebooted. Forcing a reboot deletes all settings and the firmware stays stuck at 384.5beta2

 

[AndreiV]

I just tried to upgrade my 384.5beta2 to the just released 384.5_0 and it will not upgrade. The firmware uploads and the progress bar shows, but then nothing changes and it was never even rebooted. Forcing a reboot deletes all settings and the firmware stays stuck at 384.5beta2

What router is it? .............. Never mind , looking at previous posts you have an AC68U.

I see you use USB devices , remove all USB's and reboot before you flash the firmware.

 

[kentut]

Anyone has any update on this?

I'm having the exact same issue. I'm stuck with 384.5 firmware. I tried downgrade to no avail. I tried to upgrade to 384.6 and the screen still says 384.5. There is no error/warning message anywhere, it looked like it's perfectly upgraded.

I did have USB storage plugged-in when I did my upgrade to 384.5. Would that matter?

 

[Grisu]

I did have USB storage plugged-in when I did my upgrade to 384.5. Would that matter?

YES, remove it and try again!

 

[kentut]

YES, remove it and try again!

I did that, and it didn't work. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Grisu]

I did that, and it didn't work. Thanks for the suggestion.

try with initialize before update, download file again and unzip before upload to router and dont mix 68U<>86U.

 

[AndreiV]

I did that, and it didn't work. Thanks for the suggestion.

Are you using an Asus RT-AC68U or a TMobile TM1900?

 

[Striker317]

Are you using an Asus RT-AC68U or a TMobile TM1900?

Probably the latter.

 

[kentut]

Probably the latter.

Correct. The TMobile TM1900 Cellspot.

 

[AndreiV]

Correct. The TMobile TM1900 Cellspot.

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/the-tm-ac1900-is-not-supported.48056/

 

[rgentozala]

I just tried to upgrade my 384.5beta2 to the just released 384.5_0 and it will not upgrade. The firmware uploads and the progress bar shows, but then nothing changes and it was never even rebooted. Forcing a reboot deletes all settings and the firmware stays stuck at 384.5beta2

Hi. Did you ever get your AC1900 working again?