Is my Netgear DG834PN dead?

PaulProteus · 24 Dec 2006 at 13:12

I have just done the latest firmware and after following all instructions found on Netgear site I am in big trouble.

After uploading the .img file the prompt appeared and I said OK but the test LED did not stop flashing.

I disconnected the mains and connected it again, but still no joy.

I tried to restore the factory settings (using the reset hole at the back for ten seconds) but the flashing goes on. I had the feeling this would not help but tried anyway.

I have the bad feeling that by doing the firmware upgrade I have damaged my wireless router. Is it irreversably dead? Any hope for repair?

Can anyone advise me what to do as I cannot imagine (may be I should in the end) not having Interner over Christmas.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

Jordan

Xez · 24 Dec 2006 at 15:43

You disconnected it from the mains while it was still flashing? :eek:

Sounds like by doing so you interupted the flashing of the firmware. If you go on netgears site there is a recovary tool which you could use

PaulProteus · 24 Dec 2006 at 16:50

Xez said:
You disconnected it from the mains while it was still flashing? Sounds like by doing so you interupted the flashing of the firmware. If you go on netgears site there is a recovary tool which you could use

Thanks Xez,

Yes I did exactly as you describe it although the upload had already finished.

I found the recovery tool but it does not list the router I have and is rather old April 2004.

I assume that it should do the job otherwise it should not be there.

Thanks again.

Karl · 24 Dec 2006 at 17:04

I did exactly the same thing mate. I downloaded new firmware, and installed it. The router told me it'd be rebooting, but it never came back to live, just as yours did.

The power and "i" light kept flashing alternatively.

Had to RMA the thing.

PaulProteus · 24 Dec 2006 at 17:15

Karl said:
I did exactly the same thing mate. I downloaded new firmware, and installed it. The router told me it'd be rebooting, but it never came back to live, just as yours did.

The power and "i" light kept flashing alternatively.

Had to RMA the thing.

Hi Karl,

I have just finished the recovery operation and everything now is up an running nicely.

From now on I will do the firmware upgrade by using the recovery tool. It first erase the EPROM and then installs the latest firmware, that you have supplied in the respective directory. It sounds so easy once you have done it. But I had to recover my cable modem this afternoon to get on the net again.

I guess you could have resolved the issue as well but you must have received the new one by now.

This is why this forum is the greatest place for getting useful advice!!!!!

Thanks again Xez!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Karl · 24 Dec 2006 at 17:59

Lucky bugger! What was involved in the recovery process? I didn't find anything about that!

I'm posting this from a laptop connected to the router I got as a replacement. Same model and everything, so yeah I found a solution. Took 3 days out though instead of your instant fix!

Merry Christmas mate, I'm glad you got it all sorted.

PaulProteus · 24 Dec 2006 at 18:12

Karl said:
Lucky bugger! What was involved in the recovery process? I didn't find anything about that!

I'm posting this from a laptop connected to the router I got as a replacement. Same model and everything, so yeah I found a solution. Took 3 days out though instead of your instant fix!

Merry Christmas mate, I'm glad you got it all sorted.

Yes, I was almost seeing myself sending it back, but this place is great!

Here are the links you would need if you decide to upgrade firmware in the future:
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/DG834PN.asp
http://kbserver.netgear.com/release_notes/d102417.asp

Do not get intimidated by the fact that the DG834PN is not one of the listed. It works nicely, simply follow the procedure.

Have a good one too!
Cheers,
Jordan