What conditions warrant a factory reset? For example, when doing a minor update, say 3.0.0.4.386_46061 to 3.0.0.4.386_49447, is there any benefit to a factory reset? When WOULD it be beneficial? Thanks.
... then sometimes flashing may fail due to not having enough free RAM.
Then tried uploading my AC settings into my new AX router.
You should never do this. This has been explained many times in these forums. The backup file is only intended to be used to recover the settings for the router it was created on, and running the same firmware version. The settings file is not designed to be transferable to another router, not even if it's of the same model. The reason being that the file contains settings that are unique to each model and each router. Restoring the file onto another router may appear to work, and indeed may not cause any perceived problems. But it may cause non-obvious problems or just be sub-optimal (e.g. using ac WiFi settings on an ax router).So, okay. Why not try. I got the AX operational and made a backup of the settings. Then tried uploading my AC settings into my new AX router. It worked.
Tks ColinTaylor,You should never do this. This has been explained many times in these forums. The backup file is only intended to be used to recover the settings for the router it was created on, and running the same firmware version. The settings file is not transferable to another router, not even if it's of the same model. The reason being that the file contains settings that are unique to each model and each router. Restoring the file onto another router may appear to work, and indeed may not cause any perceived problems. But it may cause non-obvious problems or just be sub-optimal (e.g. using ac WiFi settings on an ax router).
Back "in the day", when configuration files first became a "thing", they often contained serial numbers and other such unique information. The real value in that was it made some device easier to "hack" by using common serial numbers to share paid apps and such.Although I have read elsewhere on this forum that settings backup files are the same across different models as long as the FW versions are identical. If this is not the case, then Asus is violating every computing protocol I know by not making FW version numbers different for each model.
This is incorrect. No "computing protocols" are being violated here. Different hardware models require a (slightly) different set of user variables.Although I have read elsewhere on this forum that settings backup files are the same across different models as long as the FW versions are identical. If this is not the case, then Asus is violating every computing protocol I know by not making FW version numbers different for each model.
The settings file is not a database. It's a simple dump of all the variables that define the current configuration of the router. Some of these variables are added, changed or deleted as the user configures the router. Other variables are added, changed or deleted as part of the router's normal operation.FWIW, this windows utility allows you to view (and edit) NVRAM configuration files for AsusWRT (and others) here: https://www.medo64.com/wrtsettings/
It would be interesting to see if other router models have the same Db line count as mine. My AX88U has 3226 lines with FW 386.48631. If other models have running the same FW have the same Db line count, then it is likely system settings are the same for different models on the same FW.
Welcome To SNBForums
SNBForums is a community for anyone who wants to learn about or discuss the latest in wireless routers, network storage and the ins and outs of building and maintaining a small network.
If you'd like to post a question, simply register and have at it!
While you're at it, please check out SmallNetBuilder for product reviews and our famous Router Charts, Ranker and plenty more!