I prefer not to do a factory reset before changing the firmware, but I always do a reboot before flashing any firmware.
I know the router is properly running at the time I want to change the firmware; I don't want to introduce unknowns by reseting the configuration. Rebooting would clean memory and anything else which may be running. Just feels that it increases the chances of a successful firmware install. Fortunately, I never had any bad experience with firmware upgrades on the Asus (RT-AC66U and RT-AC66N).Sounds like excellent advice; both items through bitter experience or simply best practice?
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