Yes. That is why I check that the version number changed appropriately in the GUI.
Force of habit to use the reset button on the back of the router as more of a hard reset and hopefully clear/reset the NVRAM.
Where is the factory reset in the GUI and does it clear/reset the NVRAM?
Step 5 is the initial setup of setting-up the SSIDs and login/password to the router.
Step 6 is changing certain default settings to customized settings.
Step 7 is performed within the GUI to reboot the router.
Alright, some more answers and suggestions:
Factory defaults:
Advanced Settings>Administration>Restore/Save/Upload Setting: in the Factory default area, set the checkbox to Initialize all settings ... and hit the Restore button.
Saved settings:
Be aware that Saved settings shall ONLY be used to Restore settings to an identical router with exactly the same firmware version as the settings was saved with.
It is wise to keep a self made text file (or screen shots) of settings you have made different from the factory defaults (keep it simple is the key word).
If you after a firmware upgrade set the router to factory defaults you shall NOT use the saved settings file from an old firmware version.
In this forum are ways described to otherwise save and restore your settings (those are not GUI tools).
For the poor man like me, the safest way is to manual enter your settings (with my text file of changes it is a 5 minutes job).
Suggested controlled firmware update method:
Note: many (personal) variations are possible and may be valid.
- Read the firmware release notes.
- Download the firmware update file for your router from the Asus website.
- Unpack the .trx file.
- Advanced Settings>Administration>Firmware Upgrade>In the Manual firmware update section, select: Upload
- Select the unpacked .trx file and go.
- Sit back and relax, wait until the upgrade has been finished.
- Usually an additional reboot nor revert to factory defaults are required.
When to reboot and revert to factory defaults:
- Reboot when the router asks for it.
- Reboot the router when odd issues occur.
- Revert to factory defaults and manually enter your settings when a reboot does not fix your odd issues.
- Revert to factory defaults and manually enter your settings when you skip a few firmware versions or changed firmware branch (e.g. Stock v.s. Merlin) with an upgrade.
- If issues occur after you made a settings change, revert to the previous settings, make new changes one by one and test the result.