Downgrading Archer C7 version 5.8 OpenWrt

Installing and Using OpenWrt
1

I have purchased an A7 and C7 Archer AC1750 models. I can flash this file
https://downloads.openwrt.org/releases/22.03.3/targets/ath79/generic/openwrt-22.03.3-ath79-generic-tplink_archer-c7-v5-squashfs-factory.bin

Works great.

However, it breaks the code that we built to manage wifi access.

The only way I could fix this and have it work with our logic is to install
openwrt-19.07.7-ath79-generic-tplink_archer-c7-v5-squashfs-factory.bin

However, when I do this through tp-link, I get invalid file.

If I do this through TFTP, it seems to lock up the router and I have to go back to factory.

Does anyone know the lowest I could go in terms of openwrt or any trick to install a lower version?

Thanks.

2

[https://openwrt.org/toh/tp-link/archer_c7#installation_or_restore_with_tftp]

It is possible to install OpenWrt over TFTP on this model. The same method also works for restoring back to the stock firmware.

OR
Be a crazy dog, try the sysupg version (not the factory one), and tell us if didn't bricked the device! :smiley:

LK

3

How would this help me downgrade from v22.03 to 17.06?

I already use TFTP to install through 192.186.0.66 and it works but it gets bricked for anything other than version 22!!!

Very frustrating.

Thanks

4

tried doing a reset post flash ?

5

After restoring the stock fw with tftp, you can flash your desired openwrt version, m8.

LK

6

Regarding the invalide file, did you try to reduce the lenght of the filename, for example tot openwrt.bin? I had to do this on my achter c7.

7

I have flashed this thing so many times :).... I am officially a flasher.
I can restore to the stock firmware.
I have flashed version 17 using TFTP but it just brings up the router with the green light and it is stuck. I cannot reach it by IP.
What is m8?
I am going to try to reduce the bin name. However, I already flashed the system with the OpenWRT factory file and it won't work. The router just gets stuck.

1 Like
8

m8 is mate, mate - kwis? :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

Hope you find a version what works. Note that the "factory" version seems to be used in the stock webgui of the router, not via TFTP.

LK

9

I install the factory bin.
My only problem is after that.
I am going to install the factory bin and then go through tplink to flash the openwrt file with version 17 to see if it will work with a shorter filename. I am not holding much hope here because it has not worked using TFTP. I have no clue what to do :).

After I restore the stock fw with tftp, I get an invalid file error in tplink.

This is where I get the factory bin that works for me on TFTP. It takes me to tplink interface.

Then I go here

Click firmware and I can download the file.

That works for me to bring the router back to life :).

Now, not sure what to do. Going to try shortening the name here in 5 mins.

Cheers :).

10

Nada in the shortening the name of the file to go from 22.3 factory to 17.0.3.
Maybe if I install openwrt 22.3
Then I try to use openwrt to change the version?
I am lost.

11

From here seems that will be easier you rebuild your local user script that the new openwrt "broke". Also, a new firmware (and kernel) support a lot of new cool stuffs, like firewall4 instead firewall3.

I also dunno how to help, if the old desired version factory doesn't work. Maybe the new stock fw is preventing the openwrt install -- like, when factory.bin for v17 was made, the stock fw was an older version that allows openwrt install.

Maybe searching a really old stock fw version at your risk... but I would spend my time in that broke script.

LK