How do I install Merlin without option for Manual Update ... ARGH

[Sam Bazzell]

I have RT-AX86U Pro
3.0.0.6.102_34349-g805dff6_403-gd851b (latest)
After 4 months of ownership, no more 5Ghz
I'm trying to see if Merlin will fix the issue
Under Administration --> Firmware Upgrade, I don't have the option "Manual Firmware Update : Upload"
like I did with my previous 68U
40 years using computers and I'm ready to become Amish. ARGH. Help please

I'm using
Linux Mint + Firefox + Ublock Origin

I've tried (but didn't work)
Factory Reset + Clear Settings
A different OS and browser without an ad-blocker (Windows 10 + Chrome)

 

[bennor]

Been a while since using stock 3006.102 firmware, but did you disable/turn off the auto update feature in the stock firmware, if there is an option to disable it? Maybe disabling auto update will cause the manual update option to show up.

 

[bbunge]

I have RT-AX86U Pro
3.0.0.6.102_34349-g805dff6_403-gd851b (latest)
After 4 months of ownership, no more 5Ghz
I'm trying to see if Merlin will fix the issue
Under Administration --> Firmware Upgrade, I don't have the option "Manual Firmware Update : Upload"
like I did with my previous 68U
40 years using computers and I'm ready to become Amish. ARGH. Help please
I've tried Factory Reset + Clear Settings

I would try a factory reset and reconfigure. The worst that can happen is the router will be bricked in which case you can RMA the router for a new one under warranty. If it comes back up and everything works you can make the choice to try Merlin firmware. I've spent the last hour or so setting up and configuring the Merlin 3006.102.5 beta 3 and it is working well but I likely have a more complex LAN than you. The Asus firmware works very well for most.

 

[Sam Bazzell]

Thanks bennor and bbunge. Same problem. Im assuming no more 5 GHz due to hardware failure. Given its only 4 months old and under warranty, can I expect a brand new unboxed Asus 86U Pro or do they usually attempt repair ?

 

[NightOwl3261]

Referb...unless out of referbs, then new.

 

[Sam Bazzell]

Hopefully a new one. Nice. Thanks. But still doesn't address why Im not seeing the option to install Merlin via Manual Update. It's usually at the bottom of my screenshot (see above)

 

[bennor]

Same problem. Im assuming no more 5 GHz due to hardware failure. Given its only 4 months old and under warranty, can I expect a brand new unboxed Asus 86U Pro or do they usually attempt repair ?

By chance did you have AiCloud enabled prior to your 5Ghz Wifi issue started? Before Asus recently patched a security vulnerability in the firmware, the AiCloud feature was an entry point for malware that caused various WiFi and router issues. More on that issue and solutions to it can be found at the following link:

Malware damaging ASUS routers?

This malware damaging Asus routers has to be described in a sticky thread with a warning sign! Update: Asus is releasing patched firmware for multiple models. Check for firmware updates! The changelog for most firmware releases contains the following: 1. Strengthened input validation and data...

www.snbforums.com

As a very last resort and very last troubleshooting step, if you haven't tried already, you could try using the ASUS Firmware Restoration Tool to upload/re-upload the stock Asus firmware to see if it fixes the issue you are experiencing.
https://www.asus.com/networking-iot...ro/helpdesk_download/?model2Name=RT-AX86U-Pro
[Wireless Router] How to use Rescue Mode (Firmware Restoration)?

But in the end a warranty return may be the only solution.

 

[Sam Bazzell]

Thanks bennor
I never used AiCloud
I tried the Firmware Restoration Tool but it didn't work because my router wasn't in Rescue Mode

 

[bennor]

I tried the Firmware Restoration Tool but it didn't work because my router wasn't in Rescue Mode

Did you follow the steps to put the computer and the router into rescue mode configuration?
The computer wired direct to the router's LAN port needs to be manually configured with the following IP and subnet mask:
IP address: 192.168.1.10
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
For the router, to enter rescue mode:
3-1 Unplug the router's power cord.
3-2 Press the Reset button.
Keep long pressing the Reset button and plug the cord to DC IN at the same time.
Notice: Please DO NOT release the Reset button until the Rescue Mode is enabled.
3-3 The router turns to the Rescue mode when you see the power indicator light is slowly flashing.
3-4 Click [Start] > [ASUS Utility] > [Firmware Restoration]
Follow the rest of the steps indicated in the previously provided link on how to use the firmware restoration tool.

 

[Sam Bazzell]

Thanks once again bennor. After much trial and error I managed to get wifi router in Rescue Mode and connecting with pc. I performed firmware reinstall using Asus Tool but my 5 Ghz still dead (dont see a MAC address in GUI) after 4 months use. And for some unknown reason I still dont have Manual Firmware Update option if I wanted to install Merlin

 

[ExtremeFiretop]

Thanks once again bennor. After much trial and error I managed to get wifi router in Rescue Mode and connecting with pc. I performed firmware reinstall using Asus Tool but my 5 Ghz still dead (dont see a MAC address in GUI) after 4 months use. And for some unknown reason I still dont have Manual Firmware Update option if I wanted to install Merlin

Which firmware did you use with the tool? Stock or Merlin?

It sounds like you flashed stock even though you want Merlin. Flash Merlin through the tool if that's what you want.