Can't update RT-AX82U from old beta firmware

[Rangnarok]

First time posting here... hopefully someone with great knowledge of Asus Routers can help, as I had zero luck with Asus tech support.

I have an ASUS RT-AX82U Router, and even using official references – I cannot figure out how to update to more recent Firmware, or how to reset to the shipped version of the Firmware.

I updated to this beta version of Firmware for security reasons, but have been unable to update since.

The currently installed version is:
ASUS RT-AX82U Firmware version 9.0.0.4.386.41994 (Beta Version)

See:
https://www.asus.com/au/networking-...rs/rt-ax82u/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=RT-AX82U

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I have tried the "Check Update > Firmware Upgrade" option and also "Method 2: Update Manually" option (attempting to use the most recent version available, or the next most version).

See:
https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1008000/#a2

Both methods initially seem to work – but upon inspection, the Firmware version does not change.

- - -

I have a configuration file (Settings_RT-AX82U.CFG) that I saved in preparation for performing a "Hard Factory Reset" of the router.

See:
https://www.asus.com/au/support/faq/1039074/

I chose "Method 2" as it is applicable to my model.

However, after I reset and then apply this .CFG to the router, I still see the Firmware version 9.0.0.4.386.41994.

- - -

Questions:

1)
Should a "Hard Factory Reset" reset the route to the original Firmware version that was shipped with the Router?

2)
Does the .CFG file contain the current Settings AND Firmware at time of save, or just the Settings?

3)
Is there something I can do to restore to an earlier version of Firmware and then update to a modern one, or is my router busted?

- - -

PS: I own a Mac, so can't use the ASUS Restore software.

 

[Volt]

Maybe try updating firmware versions gradually. For example, 3.0.0.4.386.43129 was released after the beta, first try installing it. Then, if the installation succeeded, try updating to 3.0.0.4.386.50289 (which is, as stated in the release notes, "a middle firmware for upgrading from 3.0.0.4.386.49674 (or a lower version) to 3.0.0.4.388.2xxxx.), then try updating to 3.0.0.4.388.22158 (in release notes, they state "If you want to upload the firmware file manually, please check your RT-AX82U firmware version is greater or equal to 3.0.0.4.386.50289. If not, please manual upgrade your RT-AX82U to 3.0.0.4.386.50289 first.), and then to the latest version.

Or something like that, just read the release notes of the previous versions, they may contain some hints.

 

[Rangnarok]

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah, I already tried installing version 3.0.0.4.386.43129 (the next most recent). I also tried version 3.0.0.4.386.50289.

Unfortunately, while the process seems to complete, the version is the same afterwards.

Appreciate it if you are able to answer the first 2 questions in my original post...

 

[Volt]

Regarding the first question, the router will still have the version that was installed before the reset. However, I would recommend you to perform a reset and then try to upgrade the firmware again, this may help.

Regarding the second questions, I don't know the answer, unfortunately, so maybe other users can answer it.

 

[ColinTaylor]

1)
Should a "Hard Factory Reset" reset the route to the original Firmware version that was shipped with the Router?

No.

2)
Does the .CFG file contain the current Settings AND Firmware at time of save, or just the Settings?

Just the settings.

 

[Rangnarok]

Thanks all for your replies. I will try again, the question is what kind of reset is the best to try before I try to update?

"Check Update > Firmware Upgrade" option and also "Method 2: Update Manually" option?