Cannot rollback to recent versions of factory firmware after rolling back from DD-WRT on Netgear R7000

[Sopheus]

I'm trying to update the firmware on my old Netgear R7000. I initially tried flashing it with the latest DD-WRT beta release (2024), but I wasn't satisfied with it. I decided to revert to the factory firmware, starting with the initial release, R7000-V1.0.3.24_1.1.20.chk.

After successfully booting and configuring the initial firmware, I attempted to update it through the router's GUI. However, each time I clicked "Check for Update," it seemed unable to connect to the update server. I suspected that the factory firmware might be too old and the update link may have changed.

Consequently, I flashed the most recent factory firmware directly. However, after flashing and restarting, I could no longer access the GUI, neither through routerlogin.net nor the IP address 198.162.1.1. Furthermore, my computer's Network Adapters no longer recognized the router, whereas with the initial firmware, it was recognized as "Nighthawk5G."

I reverted to the initial factory firmware again, restoring normal functionality. I then tried installing firmware versions one by one, gradually working my way up. The last version that worked without issues was R7000-V1.0.7.10.1.2.3, and this is the one I am using now.

I even considered that firmware versions might differ across regions since I originally purchased my R7000 in China. However, flashing the latest firmware from Netgear China resulted in the same problem: the router was either detected as an "Unidentified Network", no access to WEB GUI.

I have attempted several solutions to update my firmware beyond version R7000-V1.0.7.10.1.2.3, but have been unsuccessful. While newer versions are available, my attempts to install them have failed:

Incremental Firmware Updates: I systematically updated the firmware from the oldest version, but the update process always stops at R7000-V1.0.7.10.1.2.3, even though newer versions exist.

Firmware Rollback and Reinstall: I flashed the router back to DD-WRT and then reinstalled the stock firmware, hoping for a clean installation. However, the maximum attainable version remained R7000-V1.0.7.10.1.2.3.

Third-Party Firmware with NVME Clear: I flashed FreshTomato firmware, hoping its "Thorough NVME Clear" option would resolve any underlying issues preventing further updates. However, upon returning to the stock firmware and attempting to update beyond R7000-V1.0.7.10.1.2.3 via the web GUI, the router becomes unresponsive and is recognized as "Non identified network" instead of "Nighthawk-5G".

Is that a dead case? What options have I left, except flash over serial interface?

Thank you

[jclehner]

Have you tried restoring factory defaults using the reset button, after flashing the latest stock firmware?

[Sopheus]

Have you tried restoring factory defaults using the reset button, after flashing the latest stock firmware?

Thank you for reply.

Yep, tried both already. Factory reset through the web interface and the 8-second button reset. Doesn't matter which, if I flash anything newer than R7000-V1.0.7.10.1.2.3, my router goes kaput, ending with "Unidentified Network," and no access to Web GUI. The only way to fix it is to roll back to R7000-V1.0.7.10.1.2.3 using NMRPFLASH. Really frustrating. It feels like there is some kind of anti-flashing mechanism was implemented for all firmware above R7000-V1.0.7.10.1.2.3.

[Sopheus]

Seems there is no chance I can restore my router and update its firmware to the latest available version. Asked everywhere, on Reddit and DD-WRT, no joy 😭