Version error trying to load 1.9 on Archer C7 v2

[BushBandit]

Half way there...
Following the tips on page 1, I managed to install DD, then revert to factory (3.13.34 Build 131217 Rel.60903n), and now the last step of updating to Gargoyle 1.9.1
However last step not working for me, still giving me error 18005 even though running the old FW.
Any ideas?

[tapper]

Hi mate you could try and flash gargoyle from DD.

[BushBandit]

Thanks, solved though a different way.

1. Did a recovery by TFTP and ArcherC7v2_en_3_14_3_up(150427).
2. That seemed to allow a direct fw update to Gargoyle 1.9.1 without giving the error.

Up and running

[jaylweb]

Holy cow testicles. I finally got it worked through. It was definitely an issue with my version. Thanks to the info on DD-WRT, I was able to piece together enough of a trail of work arounds. Here's how it finally accepted Gargoyle for me:

1. Flash with DD-WRT 3rd party software. It's a specific beta version, made to get around this US version issue:


2. Flash again with a unique revert firmware made to take back to TP-Lilnk factory from DD-WRT. In this case, it take me back to FW version 3.13.34 Build 131217 Rel 60903n.

Note: you need to create an account on dd-wrt .com to see the files.

3. NOW, the Archer was able to flash to Gargoyle 1.9 using the factory bin.

Jeez, it seemed like a lot more steps before writing it down. Maybe this can help another without going through days of trial and error. It's surprising I didn't kill the router in the process...

This worked for me as well. THANK YOU!!!

[nkhan]

Hi Gargoylians,

None of the above tricks worked for me always rx'ed the 18005 error.

What did work, simply, quickly and without hassle.

upgraded from factory shipped 16/06/16 F/W
to
AUS/NZ F/W ArcherC7v2_en_au_nz_31052017
here
static(dot)tp-link(dot)com/5021000677(dot)rar

dropped in Gargoyle 1.9.2 & rebooted

Cheers
Naj

[ispyisail]

Hi Gargoylians,

None of the above tricks worked for me always rx'ed the 18005 error.

What did work, simply, quickly and without hassle.

upgraded from factory shipped 16/06/16 F/W
to
AUS/NZ F/W ArcherC7v2_en_au_nz_31052017
here
static(dot)tp-link(dot)com/5021000677(dot)rar

dropped in Gargoyle 1.9.2 & rebooted

Cheers
Naj

Tested and works

Thank you

[Eriond]

@nkhan: Big, BIG, thank you! That solved my issue. I was so close to returning the router to the shop I bought it from

I hope someone makes a copy of that "static" file in case TP-Link decide to remove it...

/E

[gper]

Just wanted to say that as of Aug 2017, with a US-version of the Archer C7 v2.0, the "Holy Cow Testicles" 3-step method worked exactly as described on page 1 of this thread. I uploaded v. 1.9.2 in Step 3 and it worked fine.

For what it's worth, a week ago I bricked the same model of router by uploading v. 1.8.1 in Step 3. I spent a few days trying to unbrick it using TFTP but no luck (many others reported the same, and ultimately had to resort to a serial cable method, which I may do someday).

[topshot]

Just wanted to say that as of Aug 2017, with a US-version of the Archer C7 v2.0, the "Holy Cow Testicles" 3-step method worked exactly as described on page 1 of this thread. I uploaded v. 1.9.2 in Step 3 and it worked fine.

Just did the exact same thing 30 min ago. My C7 V2 has SN of 2158... FWIW.

[sandpa]

Hello, I'm new to all this router flashing and am interested in trying to flash Gargoyle firmware to my C7 v2. From what i think i understand the last Archer C7 v2 stock firmware from 2016 (160719) blocked the ability to flash custom firmwares, and it could only be done by certain exploits, but also that the current firmware that was released in June (170525) removed this block.

I have already upgraded to the current firmware. Does this mean that I can use methods to flash that were used with the earlier unblocked firmware (151014) or will this not work and maybe even cause it to brick? Sorry for my total noobness and your help is greatly appreciated.