Problem with bootloop on ASUS RT-AC87U – TFTP and UART not working

[markeaxa]

Hello,


I have an ASUS RT-AC87U that is stuck in a bootloop and will not start properly. I have tried several methods to restore it, but without success.

What I have tested so far:​

Bootloop issue: The router gets stuck in a loop and does not boot up. I have tried connecting via UART to stop the boot process using Ctrl + C, but it does not work – there is no response from the router.


Tested UART connection:
I have now tested with another router and confirmed that my PL2303 adapter, cables, and Putty program are working correctly.


My computer is correctly configured:

• I have set a static IP address (192.168.1.10).
• I have verified that the firewall is not blocking TFTP traffic.

Previous reprogramming of the router:
I know that the router was previously reprogrammed with a different firmware than the original.
I suspect this might affect why it is not responding via Putty, but I am now seeking your help.

My question:​

I now know that my adapter, cables, and software are working, but I still do not know why the router is not responding.
Does anyone here recognize this issue and have a solution or tips on what I can try next?


I am attaching a video of the issue as well as a text log of what appears in the terminal.

(The video is cut to fit the time between all the events but the text document shows what is written in PuTTY.) Link to video: https://limewire.com/d/ee05b48c-c79...a#RAm-c-khUmNXv1Ebo7An7PTbLRliCkYkujRFy2Uw1mc

Edit: The only button that the router responds to is the WPS button, and it only functions as shown in the video.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ColinTaylor]

It's bricked. Send it to e-waste.

The next thing you should see after "Decompressing...done" is the CFE bootloader starting up. As that doesn't happen I think it's safe to assume that the CFE partition has been overwritten.