Can’t update AX88U firmware

[antik]

My AX88U is on a very old firmware - 3.0.0.4.384_6210.

I’ve tried to manually update firmware by downloading directly from the AX88U support page. I’ve tried the oldest firmware available - 3.0.0.4.386.49674 and the newest - 3.0.0.4.388_24209.

The progress bar will successfully get to 100% where I’ll be prompted to manually restart the router, and the router seems as though it’s going through the correct stages by restarting etc. However, after completion, I’ll log back into the router page and it’s always still at 3.0.0.4.384_6210.

I’ve tried with all cables disconnected including WAN.

Any ideas?

 

[bennor]

Couple of suggestions if you haven't tried them already.
Try a different web browser.
Perform the update from a computer (not mobile device) directly connected to the router using wired Ethernet.
Temporarily disable any security software and browser add-ons/extensions on the computer when performing the firmware update.
Reboot the router, give it a few minutes to complete it's start up cycle then try updating the firmware again.

 

[John Fitzgerald]

Also, clear Browser Cache.

Unplug any USB devices.

Clear system log history.

Flash immediately after a power reboot.

 

[antik]

Couple of suggestions if you haven't tried them already.
Try a different web browser.
Perform the update from a computer (not mobile device) directly connected to the router using wired Ethernet.
Temporarily disable any security software and browser add-ons/extensions on the computer when performing the firmware update.
Reboot the router, give it a few minutes to complete it's start up cycle then try updating the firmware again.

Also, clear Browser Cache.

Unplug any USB devices.

Clear system log history.

Flash immediately after a power reboot.

I’ve tried a different web browser, disabled all security, unplugged all USB devices, connected laptop via ethernet and flashed immediately after a reboot with no luck…

I've attached the system log from during flashing

 

[bennor]

As a last resort you could save the router configuration file, then perform a hard factory reset, then do a basic configuration to get into the router GUI then try flashing the firmware.

The system log does indicate at one point there isn't an upstream DNS configured for the router. It also indicates you apparently have MiniUPNP (media server) enabled and USB drive or a "usb dongle" attached.

PS: You didn't by chance happen to have any of the AiCloud 2.0 (Cloud Disk, Smart Access, AiCloud Sync) features enabled, or have WAN access to the GUI enabled, did you?

 

[antik]

As a last resort you could save the router configuration file, then perform a hard factory reset, then do a basic configuration to get into the router GUI then try flashing the firmware.

The system log does indicate at one point there isn't an upstream DNS configured for the router. It also indicates you apparently have MiniUPNP (media server) enabled and USB drive or a "usb dongle" attached.

PS: You didn't by chance happen to have and of the AiCloud 2.0 features enabled did you?

I've already performed a factory reset.

AiCloud is disabled.

System log must re incorrectly reading as there is no USB dongle attached

 

[bennor]

I've already performed a factory reset.

Did you do a factory reset (via the GUI) or a hard factory reset via the external WPS button?

PS: hard factory reset for your router.
1. Turn the router off.
2. Press and hold the WPS button and turn the router on.
3. Power light is on (keep holding the WPS button).
4. Release the WPS button after the power light is off.
5. Reboot your router by manually pressing the power button.

 

[antik]

Did you do a factory reset (via the GUI) or a hard factory reset via the external WPS button?

PS: hard factory reset for your router.
1. Turn the router off.
2. Press and hold the WPS button and turn the router on.
3. Power light is on (keep holding the WPS button).
4. Release the WPS button after the power light is off.
5. Reboot your router by manually pressing the power button.

WPS button

 

[antik]

Does anyone have any other suggestions? It just doesn’t want to upgrade.

Could I use the ASUS Firmware Restoration tool for upgrade?

 

[Tech9]

Could I use the ASUS Firmware Restoration tool for upgrade?

Yes, just be careful what firmware you upload using this tool.

 

[antik]

Yes, just be careful what firmware you upload using this tool.

Would the latest 3.0.0.4.388_24209 be okay?

 

[Tech9]

Make sure the firmware is exactly for your model router.

 

[Squall Leonhart]

IIRC, there was a change to the RSA scheme used to sign firmwares between 384 and 386 so you can't jump straight from release FW unless you use the firmware recovery mode, the GUI will fail to validate the binary hash and abort.

 

[Squall Leonhart]

You have to flash 3.0.0.4.386.45898 before you can move on to later versions if coming from 384 or prior versoins of 386.

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AX88U/FW_RT_AX88U_300438645898.zip