help with installing merlin on china bought asus rt-ac5300

[Bloodfart]

There seems to be some specific blocks to installing or changing firmware versions here.

I just bought this router and want to use it to install astrill for convenience but I get this message when trying to install merlin or any other asus version

Invalid Firmware Upload
To comply with regulatory amendments, we have modified our certification rule to ensure better firmware quality. This version is not compatible with all previously released ASUS firmware and uncertified third party firmware. Please check our official websites for the certified firmware.

any ideas?

 

[ColinTaylor]

There are no regional differences for firmware. You usually get that message when you're trying to install a firmware version that's too old.

Make sure you're installing the current version and the correct model (e.g. not GT-AC5300).

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AC5300/FW_RT_AC5300_300438648377.zip

or

https://sourceforge.net/projects/asuswrt-merlin/files/RT-AC5300/Release/RT-AC5300_386.5_2.zip/download

 

[Bloodfart]

It is definitely RT-ac5300 and I’ve tried the newest Merlin firmware, newest asus firmware, and an asus version a couple of versions ago. All the same message and won’t install.

 

[ColinTaylor]

It is definitely RT-ac5300 and I’ve tried the newest Merlin firmware, newest asus firmware, and an asus version a couple of versions ago. All the same message and won’t install.

What is the current firmware version shown at the top of each page and at Administration >- Firmware Upgrade > AiMesh router ?

 

[Bloodfart]

386.4

 

[ColinTaylor]

You might have to resort to using Rescue Mode.

Offizieller Support | ASUS Deutschland

Das ASUS Support Center hilft Ihnen Treiber, Handbücher und Firmware-Versionen herunter zu laden. Hier finden Sie auch FAQs und Troubleshooting Hilfen

www.asus.com

 

[Bloodfart]

update: it worked!

your link https://sourceforge.net/projects/as...AC5300/Release/RT-AC5300_386.5_2.zip/download worked!

Thanks ever so much. having a veep router in office with alternating in and out of china veep is amazing.

Thanks, and have a great day/week/month and maybe even year!