RT-AC3100_386.5_2 update failure (from 386.5)

[slieveen]

Router rejected firmware as unacceptable on my AC3100 although the similar 386.5_2 download/update worked fine on my RT_AC86U.

Has anyone else encountered a similar problem with the AC3100 firmware update? ( I see that there have been 469 downloads of 386.5-2)

 

[L&LD]

Welcome to the forums @slieveen.

What firmware do you have now on your RT-AC3100? Do you have any USB devices plugged into it?

Have you extracted the download and verified the hash on the file you're using to upgrade with? Are you double-checking you're using that same file?

With all the above checks (above) passing, and assuming you're using a USB device too, 'Safely' remove all USB drives from the GUI, and then physically remove them from the router too. Reboot the router and wait for it to settle after it has come up again (around 5 minutes). Now try reflashing it again.

Note that you may need to attempt to flash it a few times, just keep trying (you won't need to redo all the steps above if they were done properly already).

 

[slieveen]

Welcome to the forums @slieveen.

What firmware do you have now on your RT-AC3100? Do you have any USB devices plugged into it?

Have you extracted the download and verified the hash on the file you're using to upgrade with? Are you double-checking you're using that same file?

With all the above checks (above) passing, and assuming you're using a USB device too, 'Safely' remove all USB drives from the GUI, and then physically remove them from the router too. Reboot the router and wait for it to settle after it has come up again (around 5 minutes). Now try reflashing it again.

Note that you may need to attempt to flash it a few times, just keep trying (you won't need to redo all the steps above if they were done properly already).

I'm updating from Merlin's 386.5 to 386.5.2 on my AC3100, hardwired AP mode to my AC86U. I have never enabled AIMesh.

There are no USB devices plugged into it

I have downloaded this version of the updated firmware three times now from the SourceForge download site.

I don't use a USB to update, I download the file onto my desktop and update directly over my internal network ... this is the same manner in which I have updated the merlin software on this router five times previously with no issues. It's also the same way in which I update my primary router RT-AC86U every time including today's update from 386.5 to 386.5.2 ... that update worked fine, just as it has the last five times on that router.

I'm unsure on how to confirm the hash from my downloaded file with the version on the SourceForge website. I can open the hash on the downloaded file on my desktop computer but what file am I comparing it to?

This is the message I get back on each of the three attempts:
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.

 

[L&LD]

Use HashTab - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download to compare the hash files to the file you downloaded.

What browser, what computer are you using to flash the firmware with?

You may need to do a reset on the router to allow it to flash. Or, as I've already stated, reboot it and just keep trying until it 'takes'.

 

[slieveen]

Thanks for your assistance. I'll try unplugging the 3100 and see if that makes a difference; if not it will be a full reset and back to stock firmware.

I don't see why the browser (chrome) or computer build (home built) would make a difference. Both are the same as have been used on five previous occasions including today with the AC86U

 

[L&LD]

Chrome is too variable, depending on the day used. Edge has been stable since the introduction for me, for flashing firmware and navigating the router GUI.

Is the home-built system Windows 10, 11, 7? Was it a clean install? Are all drivers fully up-to-date and properly installed? Again, many variables here. Not picking on you, just pointing out where things can differ (I too am using a home-built desktop, BTW).