WPS versus Reset button and when to use?

[trevorklat]

I have an ASUS RT-N66U router that is currently running DD-WRT firmware. However, I want to flash different firmware on it to be able to get the ability to have the router act as my LAN's Windows Workgroup's Master Browser.

To revert from DD-WRT back to ASUS firmware, DD-WRT says
(http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php?title=Asus_RT-N66U#Revert_to_original_ASUS_firmware)

to do this:

1. Download firmware from ASUS web site
2. Reset to Factory Default Settings or clear NVRAM
3. Use the DD-WRT web gui: Administration -> Firmware upgrade
4. Reset to Factory Default Settings or clear NVRAM

I can do steps 2. ("Reset to Factory Default Settings") and 3. above inside the DD-WRT web GUI.

Step 4. above is where I get confused. Do I use the RT-N66U's WPS or reset buttons or both to do this? Which one do I use and what is the sequence?

Thanks

 

[wouterv]

The easiest for step 4 is through the router GUI.
Administration>Restore/Save/Upload Setting>Factory default>Restore

 

[trevorklat]

I guess what I need to know then is:
Does going through te web GUI actually clear the NVRAM? I understand that it puts the router back to factory default settings but does it also clear the NVRAM?

In the DD-WRT forums and SNB forums, some users say they have to (whilst the router's power is off) hold in the WPS button while powering back on to clear NVRAM and or use the Reset button for a certain period of time. (I remember having to do a "30-30-30" while installing the DD-WRT firmware which most certainly involved the use of the pesky WPS button.)

A bunch of conflicting information here and thus the reason for my question. I have never found anyone to be able to give a definitive answer on the use of these two buttons on the ASUS RT-N66U regarding which/when to use for clearing NVRAM.

 

[wouterv]

How many answers do you need.
Read here the whole story:
http://www.snbforums.com/threads/faq-nvram-and-factory-default-reset.22822/

 

[trevorklat]

Thanks, but I had already read that link. No where in that link does it specifically address the RT-N66U's WPS button being depressed whilst powering on the router. However, I have read several conflicting threads (hear in SNB and on the DD-WRT forums) where persons upgrading or reflashing other's firmware had to use that button to clear NVRAM on the RT-N66U.

Is Merlin's post that is referenced above saying that pressing the reset button sets the router to factory default settings and clears the NVRAM? I know pressing the reset button while the router is on resets the router's settings to factory defaults but does it also clear the NVRAM?

So, I guess I still need one more answer as it is not specifically addressed in Merlin's generic thread that was referenced above.

 

[Pierino]

How do I do a factory default reset?
Multiple ways to do so, which will depend on your particular situation.

If your router fails to boot due to corrupted/invalid nvram settings, then you will have to turn off the router, press the WPS button (on Asus routers), then turn on the router. Wait about 10 seconds, then release the WPS button.

If the router is booting correctly, then you can use any of the following:

• While router is running, press the reset button for about 5 secs, then release it. Router will then reboot.
• From the webui, on the same page where you can save/restore saved settings, there is a button to restore factory default values
• Over SSH, you can run the "nvram erase" command.
• Over SSH you can manually erase the nvram partition (do not use this method unless you know what you are doing! Erasing the wrong partition can permanently brick your router!) Run "mtd-erase nvram", followed by PHYSICALLY turning off then on the router. Do not use the reboot command.

 

[RMerlin]

How the reset button behaves depend on the firmware running on the router. Typically, it will wipe out nvram, but that's no guarantee when running a third party firmware.

The WPS button is for when you press it before turning the router on. It's handled by the bootloader, so it will always work, regardless of which firmware is on the router.

 

[trevorklat]

And that was the final answer I needed.
Thanks, RMerlin.