Uninstall Merlin FW from TUF AX5400

[richsmif]

Hi,
I bought a TUF AX5400 router and just discovered it has this merlin firmware on it. For the life in me i cant get it removed.
Its running - 386.07_2-gnuton1

I tried factory reset in admin menu \ restore , that didn't work.
Uploading ASUS firmware ASUS TUF-AX5400 Firmware version 3.0.0.4.388.23285
seems to hang - left it for 5 mins. Nothing
WPS button down method - power light goes off and never comes back.

I want this stuff off my router and go back to factory latest approved firmware, how is this possible.

Is there software, or method of forcefully rewriting the flash?

Thanks alot.

 

[ColinTaylor]

FYI You don't "uninstall" the firmware, you just install a different one.

I guess you bought this second hand as it doesn't have stock Asus firmware?

I'd suggest you try and install a 386.x version of the Asus firmware (and then update to 388.x from there). Unfortunately it looks like Asus has removed all of the 386.x downloads from their website.

The last 386.x post I can find was here for 3.0.0.4.386.48664. That download link doesn't work any more but you can still get an older version (3.0.0.4.386.45407) from Softpedia here.

P.S. I think the reason Asus removed the older firmware is that they only support the V1 hardware, whereas the newer firmware supports both V1 and V2 hardware.

 

[bennor]

Have you tried using the ASUS Firmware Restoration tool to push the latest TUF-AX5400 firmware to the unit?

TUF Gaming AX5400｜WiFi Routers｜ASUS Global

WiFi 6 gaming router for fast, stable connection, eliminate WiFi dead spot for signal coverage. Easy app setup and port forwarding. Mesh WiFi system support.

www.asus.com

 

[richsmif]

FYI You don't "uninstall" the firmware, you just install a different one.

I guess you bought this second hand as it doesn't have stock Asus firmware?

I'd suggest you try and install a 386.x version of the Asus firmware (and then update to 388.x from there). Unfortunately it looks like Asus has removed all of the 386.x downloads from their website.

The last 386.x post I can find was here for 3.0.0.4.386.48664. That download link doesn't work any more but you can still get an older version from Softpedia here.

That is correct yes but just want to install factory firmware.

I'll try and find 386.x firmware.

 

[richsmif]

I cant get the firmware restoration tool to work. Says not in recovery mode.
I have read someone else had the same issue.
i changed the ip address to 192.168.1.10 / 24. Nothing else. I can ping myself and 1.1 so that all works.
You start the tool, 5 second later 1.1 stops responding, gets to 31 and says not in recovery mode.

Obvious the tool crashes.

I read somewhere you have this CFE miniweb server thing but dont know anything it. Going to be last chance before i punt this rubbish out of the door.

 

[Tech9]

I read somewhere you have this CFE miniweb server thing

Must be at default LAN IP address, but no DHCP server. You have to have your LAN card set to fixed IP.

I believe the default LAN IP for your router is 192.168.50.1 though and not 192.168.1.1 - perhaps your Restoration tool issue.

 

[bennor]

I cant get the firmware restoration tool to work. Says not in recovery mode.

See the instructions for using the recovery tool and putting the router into recovery mode (if you haven't done so already).
[Wireless Router] How to use Rescue Mode (Firmware Restoration)?

Edit to add: There is a FAQ section at the bottom of that link where they talk about what to do if you get the; “The wireless router is not in rescue mode” message.

 

[richsmif]

Sorted it. It was to do with the files.
Firmware 388 from Asus don't work.
Download 386 from softpedia as asus has deleted it. Worked via gui. Lol
Then upgraded to 388 Worked.
Asus need to restore the original fw

Thanks all for help