RT-AC66u flash back to stock firmware?

[Jonathan Galiano]

For right now I purchased an AC1750_B1 which from my understanding is the same as the AC66U_B1.

Before I flash Merlin I would like to know the steps to go back to stock firmware first? I ended up bricking my Archer C7 so I want to be careful. I'm not 100% sure if I'm keeping this router so I wanna make sure I can go right back to stock. Thanks!!

 

[bbunge]

Be careful! My quick research shows the RT-AC1750 to not be the same as the RT-AC66U B1. I have the RT-AC66U B1 router and it has a front USB 3 port and dual core processor. Trying to flash with the wrong firmware can make your investment into a brick.

Double check your router name plate. If it says hardware version B1 it is NOT the same as the RT-AC66U B1 model number.

 

[Jonathan Galiano]

Be careful! My quick research shows the RT-AC1750 to not be the same as the RT-AC66U B1. I have the RT-AC66U B1 router and it has a front USB 3 port and dual core processor. Trying to flash with the wrong firmware can make your investment into a brick.

Yea this one has the front USB port as well. I'm 99% sure it's the same from my research but I will check again to be safe. I'm pretty sure this is just the best buy model of the AC66U_B1. So assuming it is and I flash Merlin.. how could I then go back to stock?

 

[bbunge]

OK, I found it on the Best Buy web site and it looks like the same configuration but I do not see a mention of dual core. Am still not convinced it is the same as the AC66U B1.
Before you even try another firmware get the Asus recovery tool and a fresh copy of the factory installed firmware. I did a search on the Asus support site for the RT-AC1750_B1 and got an "oops" page. So, if the CD provided with the router does not have a copy of the factory firmware stick with what you have.
To encourage you to stay with Asus firmware for a while I will tell you that I have tested Merlin 380 and 382 versions and have gone back to the latest Asus firmware as it seems to control buffer bloat better on my ADSL network. Yes, Merlin does have some nifty features...

 

[Jonathan Galiano]

OK, I found it on the Best Buy web site and it looks like the same configuration but I do not see a mention of dual core. Am still not convinced it is the same as the AC66U B1.
Before you even try another firmware get the Asus recovery tool and a fresh copy of the factory installed firmware. I did a search on the Asus support site for the RT-AC1750_B1 and got an "oops" page. So, if the CD provided with the router does not have a copy of the factory firmware stick with what you have.
To encourage you to stay with Asus firmware for a while I will tell you that I have tested Merlin 380 and 382 versions and have gone back to the latest Asus firmware as it seems to control buffer bloat better on my ADSL network. Yes, Merlin does have some nifty features...

From the router log in page when I click on a link to the product page and it pulls up the AC66U_B1 page

 

[bbunge]

To go back to stock just flash the stock firmware over Merlin (with USB drives removed), do a factory reset and manually configure the router.

 

[bbunge]

Your call... If you are brave use the Merlin for the RT-AC68U which is what I use on the RT-AC66U B1. Just have the recovery tool handy and an original firmware.

 

[Jonathan Galiano]

Your call... If you are brave use the Merlin for the RT-AC68U which is what I use on the RT-AC66U B1. Just have the recovery tool handy and an original firmware.

Thank you. So I can download the AC66U firmware from the Asus site? Are there instructions for how to use the tool or is it pretty simple? I'll keep you posted once I try it. From what I read it's the same and this is the newer b1 with the USB 3.0 on the front and better CPU. I'm returning it to best buy anyways. If I decide it works I can get it online for cheaper. Still debating on the best router to get in this price range.