Trying to install DD-WRT on Asus RT-ACRH13

[Miaowminx]

I picked up an Asus RT-ACRH13 router (which is compatible with DD-WRT) over the weekend, but I'm running into problems getting it to flash the initial factory-to-ddwrt.trx file using the recommended official Asus Firmware Rescue Tool.

I first did a hard reset (hold WPS while plugging it in until it rapidly flashed the power light), shut it down after it had booted, unplugged it, then put the router into Rescue Mode (plugged it in while holding pin on Reset until I got the slow flashing power light), with Ethernet set to 192.168.1.10. Depending on which computer/OS I used, I got different but consistent results:

- The Linux tower PC has an ethernet jack, but the Firmware Rescue Tool under WINE reports that the router isn't in rescue mode.

- The Windows laptop has a USB-to-ethernet adapter (no ethernet jack); the Firmware Rescue Tool will upload the factory-to-ddwrt.trx file to 100%, but then reports "failed to recover the system" and reboots the router to the stock new-setup screen.

I've been searching the Web for the last few days, but haven't found any solutions specific to this router and this problem. The closest I've found is posts where people with different, older Asus routers were told to use TFTP, but I didn't want to blindly try it on this model and find out the hard way that it was a mistake. Should I connect it to my Linux PC and install using TFTP, or try something different?

 

[Tech9]

using the recommended official Asus Firmware Rescue Tool

It's actually not the ASUS tool recommended, but this flashing method is recommended. Recommended doesn't mean mandatory. Did you try flashing the *trx file in GUI or using the CFE mini web server? The router must be around $20-30, it's End-of-Life for a long time, nothing much to lose whatever you do on it.

 

[Miaowminx]

It's actually not the ASUS tool recommended, but this flashing method is recommended. Recommended doesn't mean mandatory. Did you try flashing the *trx file in GUI or using the CFE mini web server?

The only thing I tried was the ASUS tool, since the DD-WRT list of supported routers says only: "Recommended: use ASUS Firmware Restoration Tool for ASUS router initial flash (*.TRX file)." When the recommended approach failed, I figured I should get more information before trying other things. I'd rather not be the person who barrels ahead only to be told "you shouldn't have done that!" by exasperated forum members after it all goes wrong.

The router must be around $20-30, it's End-of-Life for a long time, nothing much to lose whatever you do on it.

There's a bit to lose in my case; I'm on low fixed disability income so every dollar counts, and a relative who just upgraded gave this to me when my old ASUS RT-AC66U died. I'm also just a big fan of giving older electronics new life using custom firmware/operating systems.

 

[Tech9]

There's a bit to lose in my case

In this case I would use the available ASUS factory firmware. It works guaranteed and is less than year old. If you keep the device locked with no services open to Internet you'll be fine. I don't follow DD-WRT development for years since all the builds are automatically generated betas and there is no guarantee they even work properly on your device. You'll be the one to find out. There is also OpenWrt option for this router, but the installation instructions start with "Open the case of the router" and I wouldn't recommend it.