[RT AC66U]Issues after win 8.1

[george13]

Hi
I have a serious issue which I need to get resolved ASAP.
What happened. Since I received my router, I was fed up with the firmware, being very unstable, and also the Asus tech support, knowing nothing about the router's operation. So, while being under win 8 Pro, I installed version RT-AC66U_3.0.0.4_374.33_0, and … AWESOME !!! Then, stupid me, made the downgrade to win 8.1, and problems started immediately.
An internet speed, which is so darn slow that my productivity is down to zero. Opening links in Firefox v21, first time get a blank page, 2nd time the page slowly comes through.
Bittorrent, before up to 2Mbps down, now hardly 15 kbps. But, when I measure my internet speed, it is unchanged at about 25 Mbps down and 12 Mbps up.
I have a LAN, onto which also a Linux workstation is connected. This workstation works exactly as before, no degradation at all, and that is, I think, definitely a clear indication that win 8.1 is the culprit.
And the important point,if I want to access the routers GUI, I am asked for username and password, and a blank page displays, which however carries the correct name of the router. So, the connection is made, but nothing is being displayed, and as such I have lost control over the router.
What I don't understand is, how the heck can firmware and windows operating system be linked? Does 8.1 maybe use a different TCP (UDP seems ok) protocol? I’m lost, and I would appreciate very much to hear an opinion.
And, how do I regain my internet speed?
And then of course, how to regain access to my router? Do I do a restore, and then reinstall the latest Asuswrt-Merlin, or what would you recommend?

I will highly appreciate all information that I can get.

Thank

 

[RMerlin]

Make sure whichever security software you have installed on that PC is compatible with Windows 8.1. If in doubt, uninstall and reinstall it.

Also, try manually upgrading your network adapter drivers. For instance, Intel cards require a newer wireless driver for Windows 8.1.

I use 8.1 at home on my main desktop and have no issues with my RT-AC56U. Network adapter is the Asus Z87-A onboard NIC.

 

[george13]

Thanks for your response. I have a Killer Wireless-N 1202 installed. All drivers are up to date, and I get the same result, wireless or Ethernet. The AV is VIPRE Internet Security, but I've tried with and without firewall and AV and doesn't make any difference. These internet problems are my worst issue since Win 8.1, but there is also others.
So, what do you think I should do? A restore of the router with the latest Asus firmware, and next flashing the latest Asuswrt-merlin, or would it be possible to skip the first step, and do a restore using directly the Asuswrt-merlin?
I see this as only option in order to revive the GUI.

 

[george13]

I just noticed a remark at your instruction page:
"•It is NOT recommended to restore settings saved under a different firmware version. It might work, but there is no guarantee."
My config is pretty complicated, and I have it saved under version FW_RT_AC66U_3004354. I then flashed RT-AC66U_3.0.0.4_374.33_0 and restored the settings. I never saw any issues and was working as it should.
So now, if I put the router in recovery mode and flash RT-AC66U_3.0.0.4_374.34_2. What is the risk for issues if I load my saved config?

 

[RMerlin]

I just noticed a remark at your instruction page:
"•It is NOT recommended to restore settings saved under a different firmware version. It might work, but there is no guarantee."
My config is pretty complicated, and I have it saved under version FW_RT_AC66U_3004354. I then flashed RT-AC66U_3.0.0.4_374.33_0 and restored the settings. I never saw any issues and was working as it should.
So now, if I put the router in recovery mode and flash RT-AC66U_3.0.0.4_374.34_2. What is the risk for issues if I load my saved config?

In your particular case (AC66, from 354 to 374_33), restoring your old settings should be fine.

There's a good chance the issue is something on your desktop, since that FW works fine for others using Windows 8.1. Did you try completely removing Vipre, or just disabling it?

 

[george13]

You were correct. I disabled firewall and active protection, and ... all problems resolved, latest firmware flashed. Awesome. Thank you so much.

 

[saulos]

Don't know if this is your case but I see many user having problem with Virtual Box and Windows 8.1 because of the driver installed by Virtual Box to share the networks connection slow all network ( wifi and Cable ).