Hello, I have a Linksys EA8300 router. This device has dual partitions, if one fails you are able to boot into the backup and visa versa. One of the partitions is borked, SSID is broadcast but cannot connect, and no ethernet access. Ideally I would like to replace this partition with a clone of the working one.
Looking at the flash layout we have
/dev/mtd10 - kernel
/dev/mtd11 - rootfs
/dev/mtd12 - alt kernel
/dev/mtd13 - alt rootfs
10->11 are overlapping as are 12->13
Using a simple cat I've identified mtd12 (and by proxy) mtd13 as the working partitions (based on kernel string version).
Is dd'ing /dev/mtd12 -> /dev/mtd10 all that's required to clone or is there any other areas that need modifying?
Any help or advice greatly appreciated.
Use the power button trick to boot the other partition. Than flash a newer OpenWrt which will land on the previous partition.
https://openwrt.org/toh/linksys/mr8300#debricking
Just to make sure I understand, whilst I can do the process you suggest that would load me into the borked partition, which I have no direct access to via ethernet or wifi and unable to enact repairs / flash good firmware.
I have access to the good firmware partition, I need to fix the bad firmware via access to the good firmware.
I hope that clarifies and if I am completely off the mark here, please put me back on the right path.
Thanks
Ok, you are already on a working partition.
It is pointless to try to copy the actual firmware into the other one: flashing a newer image is much more easier and secured.
Backup your settings, flash a new image, restore the settings into the new partition.
It is assumed you kept the actual firmware. If not, download a new image, or create it with the firmware selector.
https://firmware-selector.openwrt.org/?version=23.05.5&target=ipq40xx%2Fgeneric&id=linksys_ea8300