FW Update Issue from 386.3_2 to latest on ASUS RT-AX88U

[nimlaor]

Hi,
I am on a very old version by Merlin on Asus RT-AX88U.
Current Version is : 386.3_2
Latest Version is : RT-AX88U_3004_388.8

I am trying to update to the latest one but it doesn't work.
I've also tried to update to stock and it also doesn't work.
Do you have any idea why and suggestions how to fix ?

Thanks

 

[McKey]

Hi, did you also tried it with the rescue mode?

[Wireless Router] How to use Rescue Mode (Firmware Restoration)? | Official Support | ASUS Global

 

[bennor]

I am trying to update to the latest one but it doesn't work.

What does "it doesn't work" mean? What error message are you getting if any?
Are you using a computer wired directly to the router or using a computer or mobile device over WiFi?
Have you tried a different web browser?
Have you tried disabling any web browser add-ons or extentions?
If you are running third party antivirus, malware or security software have you tried temporarily disabling it?
Is there a USB hard drive attached to the router? If so, remove it before trying to upload new firmware.
Are you running any addon scripts on the router?
Have you checked the router log to see if there are any errors or issues around the time you are trying to flash new firmware?

Because your current version 386.3_2 is three years old you should update to an interim firmware, like 388.1, first before trying to load the latest.

PS: A last resort troubleshooting step, perform a hard factory reset, if you haven't already and try flashing the firmware.

 

[Tech9]

In any case this router has to be reset to factory defaults on this 2+ years jump in firmware version. Remove everything, reset, try updating in GUI again, reset one more time after if successful. If not successful use Firmware Restoration with extra caution, reset after, reconfigure manually.

And the latest Asuswrt-Merlin firmware for this model is 3004_388.8_2:

Asuswrt-Merlin - Browse /RT-AX88U/Release at SourceForge.net

Alternative firmware for Asus wireless routers

sourceforge.net

 

[visortgw]

This would be a great experiment for MerlinAU!

 

[nimlaor]

What does "it doesn't work" mean? What error message are you getting if any?
Are you using a computer wired directly to the router or using a computer or mobile device over WiFi?
Have you tried a different web browser?
Have you tried disabling any web browser add-ons or extentions?
If you are running third party antivirus, malware or security software have you tried temporarily disabling it?
Is there a USB hard drive attached to the router? If so, remove it before trying to upload new firmware.
Are you running any addon scripts on the router?
Have you checked the router log to see if there are any errors or issues around the time you are trying to flash new firmware?

Because your current version 386.3_2 is three years old you should update to an interim firmware, like 388.1, first before trying to load the latest.

PS: A last resort troubleshooting step, perform a hard factory reset, if you haven't already and try flashing the firmware.

Hi,
I've tried rescue mode and also tried multiple versions. including 388.1.
I've also tried to flash the stock versions.
The process completes successfully but when getting back to the router interface - the version remains 386.3_2.
Do you have any idea ?
I've tried to flash it when the FW file is on a computer that is connected via ETH to the router.
Same result each time.

How to perform Hard Reset ? Would the version will return to the stock one and then i'll be able to flash the latest Merlin ?

 

[ColinTaylor]

How to perform Hard Reset ? Would the version will return to the stock one and then i'll be able to flash the latest Merlin ?

[Wireless Router] ASUS router Hard Factory Reset - Method 2 | Official Support | ASUS Global

A hard reset does not change the installed firmware version, it just resets the user settings. So when you connect to the router after the reset you should be presented with the Quick Internet Setup page.

If you do not get the Quick Internet Setup page then you may have a hardware fault. Check the System Log - General Log for error messages.

 

[nimlaor]

[Wireless Router] ASUS router Hard Factory Reset - Method 2 | Official Support | ASUS Global

A hard reset does not change the installed firmware version, it just resets the user settings. So when you connect to the router after the reset you should be presented with the Quick Internet Setup page.

If you do not get the Quick Internet Setup page then you may have a hardware fault. Check the System Log - General Log for error messages.

Thanks for the quick response.
I've tried these things now:

1. Completed hard reset with WPS button
2. Tried to update the FW from the phone app (Android).
3. Tried again after 1+2 to flash Merlin 388.1 and the stock.
4. Everything I do - the version remains the same and is not upgraded.

Saw this in the log:
Oct 25 13:18:54 kernel: bcm_i2c: bus 0: Failed to detect SFP: 100 retries exhausted
Oct 25 13:18:56 kernel: echo (2947): drop_caches: 1
Oct 25 13:18:56 kernel: echo (2949): drop_caches: 2
Oct 25 13:18:56 kernel: echo (2951): drop_caches: 3
Oct 25 21:44:58 kernel: 04:91:627:0A:CE not mesh client, can't update it's ip

Any thoughts ? something else to look in the logs ?

I am trying to upload the FW from here... Also tried with Google Chrome & Microsoft Edge. same results...

 

[ColinTaylor]

Post the complete system log to pastebin.com and provide a link to it for us.

 

[jomcty]

Try using Firefox to perform the F/W update.

 

[nimlaor]

Post the complete system log to pastebin.com and provide a link to it for us.

Hi,
Finally I did it
I've used the rescue tool again, followed the instruction of connecting a laptop, using static ip etc and it worked.
After flashing the stock latest version, i've saved the settings, factory reseted, restored the settings and then upgraded the FW to the latest Merlin

1. Base version : Merlin 386.3.2
2. Stock Version : 3.0.0.4_388_24209
3. Latest Merlin Version : 388.8_2

So first of all thanks for the support...

Now i am facing other stability issues that i have not encountered in 3 years with the previous version.
It was so stable, that's why I didn't upgrade... But a problem that the internet provider caused, triggered me to update.

anyways - I can open a new thread but since the history is here If you can assist :

1. The 2.4Ghz network disappeared in some devices.
2. Google Chromecast 4K is now working super slow (previously it had 300mbps download and now barely 5mbps)
3. Stability issues with multiple devices - a few disconnections noticed

What to do ??? I was so satisfied with 386.3.2 and now my family are on the edges :SS