Alternative upgrade method

[jadams]

I wrote this to help upgrading to SR2. It is based on Machasm's alternative upgrade method, but modified to use the new version of tftpd32 which is easier to use.

Although I have used this general method, I've not tried exactly these steps (hence the lack of the actual upgrade) since I receintly upgraded to SR2 and don't particularly want to have to do it again for a while! If someone tries it, please post appropriate screenshots.

There may be errors, in particular, I have never tried system config restore factory before. I suggest someone knowledgable looks over it or tries it first and posts results!

[tobyjuggler]

Thanks, jadams, I think many people will find it useful.

I only ever got the Weird Solutions programs to work once and have tried tftpd32 several times and it always works.

I don't think there's really any need for the two commands system config restore factory and system config save though, because flashfs wipe 1 will have totally wiped any previous config settings anyway, so you should already be installing a firmware with factory defaults. Still it doesn't do any harm.

[jadams]

I put the system config restore factory in there because when I last upgraded, dispite using flashfs wipe 1, I still had my old settings. Whether this is because the flashfs wipe 1 failed or because the configuration is seperate, I don't know.

[paul_londonlad]

jadams,

I attempted to use your version of the "upgrade method" and didn't get very far.

I'm currently using .96b of the firmware, and have followed your instructions.

Upon following this (see below)
************************************************** **
You should see ‘Boot from Ethernet, USB or Flash? (E/U/F) Press E to boot through Ethernet.
It should now boot and take you to a prompt.
To wipe the old firmware (essential if you are doing this because the firmware is corrupt but otherwise can still prevent some upgrade problems), type:
flashfs wipe 1
Now save the bootcode by typing:
flashfs rewrite boot.bin
then
flashfs update
When this has finished, turn off the router.
On your PC, change the DHCP boot file to the firmware, e.g. ea705-3d2100-030221a-tbc.bin for SR2 debug.
************************************************** **

Your instructions indicate that boot should take me to a prompt - For myself it doesn't do this!!! I constantly get the "boot" messages appearing under each other each second, filling the screen.

Could you let me know what the cause is?

[tobyjuggler]

After making changes to tftpd32 - eg specifying the name of the bootcode, it is worth restarting the application and ensuring when it does restart that the new settings are still there. I've had to restart it a couple of times and it then usually works. Also make sure that tftpd32.exe is in the same folder as the bootcode and firmware or specify the directory in the settings (not in the 'Current Directory' option).

[paul_londonlad]

Bang on tobyjuggler....

....I don't know why I didn't spot this <shakes head>

The directory settings needed to be set within the "setting" options.

Upgraded fine using jadams document.

*Now using "easytels .105" firmware.*
**Don't fear Solwise, when you have an updated version of SR2, I'll change it to your ;-p**

Thanks for waking me up ;-)

[jadams]

If you leave the base directory as . (the default) then it will look for the files in the same directory as the exe.

My origional version suggested setting the directory manually using the change directory button but I changed it to suggest putting the firmware and exe in the same directory for simplicity's sake, having read one of TobyJuggler's posts.

Jonathan

[dlh]

Having followed the instructions I seem to get as far as a successful firmware flash. I then try to log in with username admin and password admin but I constantly get login failed.

I have tried the solwise beta firmware, telewell firmware and even going back to the old 96b firmware but no luck with any of them.

Any help appreciated.

Addition

Took me a while but figured out the admin password wasn't reset to admin... should have tried the old password earlier

[adriandaz]

to be straight to the point, ive never seen so much faffing around in my life... using the DSL Config tool this can be done in under 5 minutes...

I do take that back!!!

[jadams]

Changed it to use 192.168.7.1 again as according to Steve's e-mail the SAR is back to using that.

Doesn't really make any difference but nice for consistancy.

Jonathan

[jadams]

Originally posted by adriandaz
to be straight to the point, ive never seen so much faffing around in my life... using the DSL Config tool this can be done in under 5 minutes...

Only many people find it doesn't actually work.

This method is also useful for corrupt firmwares.

Jonathan

[rod-vdb]

And to be honest, If I went through this method again it would take about five mins...

I would also have confidence in it working, it "felt" very robust..


Rod

[GavMackem]

Used your method for uploading the SR2 firmware, it worked like a dream unlike the deja vu 0.96 style it uploaded, and so did putting the good old 96b code back in.

I look forward to putting the 1.16b firmware back in shortly

[jadams]

Made some changes to the document.

I decided the bit about resetting to factory defaults would only be necessary in rare circumstances so I took it out as well as making some corrections.

Jonathan

[mjh07153]

This worked a treat for me, worked first time without any problems whatsoever.

I did find that once i finished and opened the web browser my previouse settings were still showing, but I then went into the system|reset, and restored factory defaults. So I think the lines that said 'system config restore factory' should be left in.

But I'm well chuffed, will have to see if I get the disconnect problem.