RT-AC88U with firmware Merlin 386.12 reboots with most settings wiped

[David Kremer]

After a big tropical storm (and possibly a power surge), my router (RT-AC88U with firmware Merlin 386.12) came back with several settings completely wiped out:

- SSH cert
- VPN cert
- DHCP manually assigned IPs

this broke my entire network, and I had to set everything up manually again. Luckily the username/password did not get wiped. I've always had problems with Merlin wiping certain settings on reboot.

has anyone else run into this? I'm thinking of going back to stock firmware.

 

[David Kremer]

I could have restored the router remotely by uploading the RT-AX86U.CFG file but did not want to risk this failing

 

[dave14305]

Sounds like your /jffs partition had a problem.

 

[Analog-1]

I'm thinking of going back to stock firmware.

Don't bother going back to stock the AC88U is listed as End of life and is no longer supported by Asus. Merlin is your best bet and even that ends at the end of this year.

 

[Tech9]

About firmware support - this router can run FreshTomato, not EoL there.

FreshTomato – Alternative open source firmware for Broadcom based routers

freshtomato.org

About the settings reset issue - always had problem with losing settings means the router itself may have an issue. To rule this out reset and reconfiguration may be needed and can't be done remotely. If the router continues losing settings after - replace the router.

 

[David Kremer]

Sounds like your /jffs partition had a problem.

I see, how can I fix that?

 

[jerry6]

After a big tropical storm (and possibly a power surge), my router (RT-AC88U with firmware Merlin 386.12) came back with several settings completely wiped out:

- SSH cert
- VPN cert
- DHCP manually assigned IPs

this broke my entire network, and I had to set everything up manually again. Luckily the username/password did not get wiped. I've always had problems with Merlin wiping certain settings on reboot.

has anyone else run into this? I'm thinking of going back to stock firmware.

Does the same thing happen using Asus FW ?

 

[David Kremer]

Does the same thing happen using Asus FW ?

Not sure, I upgraded to Merlin right away and have been using it for many years. I've always had problems with various settings disappearing after reboot.

 

[Tech9]

And you never attempted to fix the issue for years?

 

[David Kremer]

And you never attempted to fix the issue for years?

there's no obvious fix, unless I'm missing something

 

[Tech9]

What have you tried so far? Bad flash will leave messages in System Log during boot process and on settings change.

 

[jerry6]

why would you put up with this for years ? I would have contacted Asus might be defective hardware , it happens

 

[Tech9]

I would also add a small UPS and ISP line surge protector. @David Kremer mentioned previously frequent power outages and surges in their area.

 

[jerry6]

I would also add a small UPS and ISP line surge protector. @David Kremer mentioned previously frequent power outages and surges in their area.

yes before I added ups and line protection I lost a few appliances as I get frequent power drops and surges , best insurance for all the equipment