"Format JFFS partition at next boot" not an option on RT-AX88U Pro

[ADDon88]

I just spent the afternoon setting up my new RT-AX88U Pro.

I installed the latest Merlin build (3004.388.6) without issue.

But when I go to Administration > System, "Format JFFS partition at next boot" isn't there.

"Enable JFFS custom scripts and configs" is enabled, but that's the only option.

The reason I'm trying to find the format option, is that Astrill VPN says it's required to be enabled for the VPN Applet to work correct.

The applet is currently installed, and working, but I'm guessing if i reboot the router for any reason, the applet will be lost.

I understand from this thread - https://www.snbforums.com/threads/reformatting-jffs-missing.85865/ - that JFFS is no longer used on the AX88U Pro. So does that mean there is no for the VPN Applet to stay in memory after rebooting? Is rebooting something I even need to do often?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

 

[bennor]

But when I go to Administration > System, "Format JFFS partition at next boot" isn't there.

Well known and asked about issue. Lots of prior posts about it via the forum search feature:
https://www.snbforums.com/search/10...t&c[child_nodes]=1&c[nodes][0]=42&o=relevance
The option to reformat JFFS was removed. Explained here by RMerlin:
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/a...e-for-select-models.84524/page-24#post-840127

Too many settings are now stored in the JFFS partition, an option to reformat it makes no sense today, as it will end up deleting portions of your router configuration. For instance that would cause you to lose every DHCP static reservations.

If you need to "reset" your custom scripts, then just go into the /jffs/scripts/ and remove the content.

 

[ADDon88]

Well known and asked about issue. Lots of prior posts about it via the forum search feature:
https://www.snbforums.com/search/10...t&c[child_nodes]=1&c[nodes][0]=42&o=relevance
The option to reformat JFFS was removed. Explained here by RMerlin:

Oh, for sure. I've read about it's removal, and understand why.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any input on if an applet required that particular function, in order to be installed, whether not having that would cause said applet any issues. I'm not well enough educated on such things to know it's function, so I'm just trying to follow instructions as closely as possible and identify (and hopefully solve!) any issues before they arise.

 

[MDM]

No.
The partition is permanent, and not going anywhere at reboot, its not NVRAM...

 

[bennor]

I'm just wondering if anyone has any input on if an applet required that particular function, in order to be installed, whether not having that would cause said applet any issues. I'm not well enough educated on such things to know it's function, so I'm just trying to follow instructions as closely as possible and identify (and hopefully solve!) any issues before they arise.

The problem with the Astrill VPN disappearing after reboot (based on the numerous other Astrill VPN threads) is most likely a problem with the app itself not the firmware since the JFFS is persistent through reboots. If Astrill disappears after reboot go back to the developers and pester them since its an issue with their scripts/app.

PS: One possible fix or workaround that may or may not work:
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/rt-ax86u-pro-astrill-vpn-applet-issue.83302/page-2#post-885866

 

[ADDon88]

Well, i unplugged the router to move somewhere else, and after plugging back in, the applet is still there. I'm not sure if powering off and back on again is the same as a reboot, but it seems to still be working fine, so i guess it's OK?

Now I just need to figure out all the other bells and whistles. So thanks guys, i really appreciate you having taken the time to chime in!