RT-AC66U reboots during system recovery... then keeps rebooting every 29 seconds

[flavio.inbox]

RT-AC66U reboots during system recovery... then keeps rebooting every 20 seconds

Hi all, please help.

My RT-AC66U reboots during system recovery... then keeps rebooting every 20 seconds.

I am getting crazy, I already tried:

0. Setup a static IP 192.168.1.10 for my PC LAN Card
1. Reset NVRAM defaults holding down the WPS button
2. Enter into recovery mode holding down the RESET button
3. Flash firmware using dif methods

3.1 MiniWeb: It flashes but keeps AC66U in a rebooting loop every 20 secs
3.2 Firmware restoration: It flashes 100% but when it gets the status "System recovery is in progresss. 1%" the router AC66U reboots and kept in a rebooting loop every 20 secs
3.3 TFTP: It flashes but nothing happens, I have to restart it manually then kept in a rebooting loop every 20 secs

4. Tried diff firmwares Merlin and ASUS same results

I found one video that shows same behavior "auto rebooting" (but this case the guy is updating the DDWRT firmware)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X5aPGfCBoE

Any advise?

Thanks

 

[RMerlin]

Make sure you are flashing the firmware for the correct router model. Also, don't forget to unzip it first.

 

[flavio.inbox]

Hi,

Model is RT-AC66U.
Upload file is RT-AC66U_3.0.0.4_372.31_0.trx (unzipped of course )

Could you confirm if I am doing something wrong?

Thanks

 

[RMerlin]

Make sure you reset nvram after you are done uploading.

I also recommend unplugging any other device (including modem) from the router, keeping plugged only the computer used for recovery.

I usually have best results using the Firmware Recovery tool. If the router reboots itself right in the middle of uploading the file, then there is a good chance you have a defective router. Double-check to ensure the .trx file is around 26MB large.

 

[flavio.inbox]

Hi RMerlin,

Actually, when using Firmware Recovery tool it completes the file uploading ( Successfully recovered the system. Please wait for the system to reboot.jpg) but it reboots itself in the begging of recovery process (system recover is in progress ...1%.jpg).

I reset nvram after uploading done holding down the WPS button.

Only the computer used for recovery is plugged.

I will try Firmware Recovery tool again.

File properties dialog (Win8) tells that .trx file has 26.6 MB.

I think I bricked my router as it was working fine for last 2 weeks.

 

[RMerlin]

Bricking these routers is nearly impossible. It's possible however that it could be defective however - a serial cable would be needed to actually see why it's rebooting.

 

[flavio.inbox]

Tried Firmware Recovery tool again, reset nvram just after RT-AC66U_3.0.0.4_372.31_0.trx done uploading. Same rebooting issue.

After this I also tried dd-wrt-21676-Asus_RT-AC66U.trx, I got same behavior (rebooting at 1% while system recover is in progress), but the router stops rebooting itself however it is still inaccessible. Power and Lan LEDs are on, but I cannot ping at 192.168.1.1

Having it said should I try something else, or sent it to RMA or try to get a serial cable?

Thanks for your support!

 

[mikeg]

I have had strange behaviour when I tried to upgrade f/w. The last resort was to power off the unit and leave it powered off over a night and when I tried next day with a fresh mind the upgrade was successful.

Tried Firmware Recovery tool again, reset nvram just after RT-AC66U_3.0.0.4_372.31_0.trx done uploading. Same rebooting issue.

After this I also tried dd-wrt-21676-Asus_RT-AC66U.trx, I got same behavior (rebooting at 1% while system recover is in progress), but the router stops rebooting itself however it is still inaccessible. Power and Lan LEDs are on, but I cannot ping at 192.168.1.1

Having it said should I try something else, or sent it to RMA or try to get a serial cable?

Thanks for your support!

 

[TonyH]

Hi,
Maybe try different method? TFTP the f/w.

 

[DaveMishSr]

I have had strange behaviour when I tried to upgrade f/w. The last resort was to power off the unit and leave it powered off over a night and when I tried next day with a fresh mind the upgrade was successful.

I have to say that there may be something to that, router constantly rebooted after a failed flash attempt. I once had a similar issue with one of my old RT-N66U's. I had to stop to leave for a Dr appt so I just shut off the router and left the house. When I got back I powered the router back up, tried putting it in recovery mode and the re-flash it. Guess what happened? You got it! It worked as if nothing ever went wrong and it worked seamlessly ever since. I have since sold that router and the buyer has not once contacted me with any issues.

 

[flavio.inbox]

Mikeg and DaveMishSr, I just powered the unit off. I will retry tomorrow and let you know the results.

Questions, in this circumstance ...

1. Did you try to flash Merlin or Asus f/w?
2. Did you flash it using TFTP, MINIWEB or ASUS f/w restoration tool?

Thanks!

TonyH, OP already mentioned that TFTP were already tried. Tks

 

[DaveMishSr]

Mikeg and DaveMishSr, I just powered the unit off. I will retry tomorrow and let you know the results.

Questions, in this circumstance ...

1. Did you try to flash Merlin or Asus f/w?
2. Did you flash it using TFTP, MINIWEB or ASUS f/w restoration tool?

Thanks!

TonyH, OP already mentioned that TFTP were already tried. Tks

1) I use Merlin's stuff unless he says to upgrade to a Asus stock version until he can issue a version based on Asus' updated source code.
2) If use the upgrade feature under the Administration tab now as I have gotten lazy. If anything goes wrong I will then use the firmware recovery tool resetting the NVRAM before and after flashing in that case.

Good luck!

 

[mikeg]

1. Both Merlin and Asus f/w.
2. Asus f/w restoration tool.

Mikeg and DaveMishSr, I just powered the unit off. I will retry tomorrow and let you know the results.

Questions, in this circumstance ...

1. Did you try to flash Merlin or Asus f/w?
2. Did you flash it using TFTP, MINIWEB or ASUS f/w restoration tool?

Thanks!

TonyH, OP already mentioned that TFTP were already tried. Tks

 

[flavio.inbox]

No luck... Router still in rebooting loop.

Thanks anyway!

 

[DaveMishSr]

No luck... Router still in rebooting loop.

Thanks anyway!

In the you have nothing to lose department, have you tried a 30-30-30 reset?

 

[jlake]

Or even try tomato and wait a half hour to 45 minutes. Nothing to lose.

http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showthread.php?t=12169

 

[mikeg]

I suggest you mail the problem to Jeremy at Asus who is on this forum to see if Asus has any suggestions....

No luck... Router still in rebooting loop.

Thanks anyway!

 

[flavio.inbox]

I suggest you mail the problem to Jeremy at Asus who is on this forum to see if Asus has any suggestions....

I followed your suggestion. I just wrote an email to him. Lets wait. Thanks

 

[fcosenti]

No luck... Router still in rebooting loop.

Thanks anyway!

Same issue here, but mine stops and goes normal for a few more hours if you turn off everything at the power point. Switch + modem + router. Do not power it off, unplug it from the wall for 10 seconds.

 

[flavio.inbox]

I already unplugged it from the wall, wait 24 hours but no luck... disappointed