This article will assist you with firmware recovery in case of firmware failure, without using the firmware recovery tool.
Note: The steps below show how to reload firmware onto a NETGEAR router that won't boot due to corrupt firmware.
The instructions assume a basic level of networking competence. Read through the instructions below. If you don't understand them, don't attempt this without contacting NETGEAR technical support.
This is especially helpful for newer NETGEAR routers that do not come with a setup CD that includes a firmware recovery tool. Most of the routers having the new NETGEAR genie user interface do not come with a setup CD.
Symptoms:
- Router not booting up properly
- Failed firmware update
- Blinking power LED
- Power LED is blinking/solid amber
To reinstall the firmware:
- Download the latest firmware for the router, from http://support.netgear.com. It may download as a .zip file, containing the firmware and some documentation. Unzip it.
- Download the TFTP client software “tftp2.exe”, which can be downloaded from http://www.shadowsoftware.net/shadowgameworld/downloads/.
For Mac users, please download the software on this link: http://download.cnet.com/MacTFTP-Client/3000-18508_4-5707.html
- To do these downloads, you may be able to access the internet by connecting the computer directly to the cable modem, or you may have to use another router or another internet connection.
- Connect the computer to the router and assign a static IP of the router's default range (192.168.1.x or 192.168.0.x) on the LAN connection.
- If you ping the router's IP you should be getting replies now.
- Now run the tftp2.exe file that was downloaded earlier.
- In the Server field, enter the default IP of the router.
- In the Password field, enter the default password of the router.
- In the File field, browse and locate the firmware file that was downloaded earlier.
- Turn the router off for 10 seconds and turn it back on.
- While the router is still in the boot process (ie. Power light is still 'amber') click Upgrade and wait for the process to be completed.
- Once the process is complete, the power light will turn steady green.
Last Updated:11/28/2016
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Article ID: 19841