Applying Merlin FW

[anfo]

Hi

General question. Still running stock AsusWRT FW, but am interested in trying Merlin. Last night, before trying Merlin, I noticed my router hasn't been updated in a while, so I have now got it up to stock version 3.0.0.4.386_43252.

I tried the Merlin 386.2-4 FW straight after, however almost immediately after starting the upload, the router complained with an error, and subsequently I was getting all sorts of malformed graphics trying to resemble the GUI. Luckily, no permanent damage had been done and I restored back to stock and the router is internet connected.

My question is, does Merlin FW have to be at a higher version than the installed stock FW before flashing? Or can any version flash any version?

Anfo

 

[L&LD]

Best Practice Update/Setup Router/AiMesh Node(s) 2021

You can 'normally' go from any version to any version, but a full reset to factory defaults is required 'after' flashing the firmware you want to use.

Read the release notes of the RMerlin firmware you're installing. That may give you a clue to the GUI issues.

 

[anfo]

Read the release notes of the RMerlin firmware you're installing. That may give you a clue to the GUI issues.

Super, will give it a look.

 

[anfo]

I f***d up. Didn't realise my router is the DSL flavour of AC68U instead of RT. Looks like GNUton's thread is where I head next.

 

[Hazel]

When heading over there you might want to mention that a firmware validation check might prove to be useful. You shouldn't have been able to upload Asuswrt-Merlin in the first place and I'm glad you didn't brick your device.