New Firmware bricks my RT-AX88U router

[bobinator_2]

Router updated to new firmware - ASUS RT-AX88U Firmware version 3.0.0.4.388_24333

Upon update, Router stopped functioning.
Performed a complete Factory Reset (using the button on back).
Reset all settings manually (did not use stored setting's file, as it appears to be incompatible).
Router appeared to be stable; however, DNS would fail.

Spoke ASUS support, who told me to use Google's DNS instead of ISP pass through.

Everything seemed to be working until fours later, WiFi completely crashed (wired connections were still working, however).

Router serves as a primary resource for my business; therefore, trashed router and purchased a TP-Link.

Highly suggest not updating!!!

[Saltgrass]

You may want to check the manual, but a full factory reset may include turning on the router while holding the WPS button until the power light turns.  Then it will ask you to manually restart the router.

There is also a full reset option which clears the memory on one of the Web GUI pages.

I don't have that router so I can't verify your situation.

[bobinator_2]

Noted -- "There is also a full reset option which clears the memory on one of the Web GUI pages."
Did this, and did not work not actaully perform a "memory" clear.
Remember, the new firmware included a new AI interface which did not seem to reset unless an external reset was performed.
Manual does not mention the use of the WPS button.  It only describes the use of the reset button.

[bobinator_2]

noted, ASUS pushed a new firmware up:
ASUS RT-AX88U Firmware version 3.0.0.4.388_24346
was able to install update.  Did another factory reset, WiFi was working but at "low" speed.  A few hours later, speed increased to over 2400 and then WiFi crashed again.

[Saltgrass · Accepted solution]

Did you see this?  Your router number is listed on the page for method two.

[Wireless Router] When Standard Reset Isn’t Working: Hard Factory Reset - Models list | Official Sup...

[Wireless Router] ASUS router Hard Factory Reset - Method 2 | Official Support | ASUS USA

[jzchen]

ISP Passthrough, should check if the AX88U received the WAN IP?

[bobinator_2]

Yes, the router received the WAN IP,  I will try the WPS method tonight.
interesting, i found the following on another forum:

Reset button/webUI Restore/node removal clears settings in NVRAM; reboot restores firmware defaults from CFE (fw defaults)

Hard Reset via WPS button/webUI Restore+Initialize also clears data logged in /jffs partition (fw defaults+clear data)

Not sure why they do not document WPS reset in the manual??

[jzchen]

To confirm you've correctly factory/hard reset when you access the setup page it opens the initial page like it was new out of the box.

The WPS button Method is described as holding the button while flipping/pressing the power switch/button ON, hold and observe the power LED turn on, then off.  After which you can release the WPS and power cycle the (edit) router.  What would happen sometimes is that this did nothing, (the LED turned on then off real quick), and when you power cycle the old settings were still there, no setup screen.

[jzchen]

Saved by the bell so to speak.  10/20 there's a new firmware available (2 of mine had updates on that same day:  RT-AX5400 and RT-AX86U).  Please try to install it and see if things get better.  (I also noticed it does not say factory/hard reset if you have _24333 already).

[bobinator_2]

Installed new firmware.

did a factory reset.

WiFi still froze after a few hours.

currently trying the WPS reset method to see if it stabilizes the WiFi.