New Install R6900v2 Can't Access Web GUI

Installing and Using OpenWrt
1

Hoping for some guidance here.

  1. This is a first-time install on a NetGear R6900v2 (new router).
  2. Did a factory reset.
  3. Connected via Wired LAN
  4. Note: No other WiFi or Wired Connections; just the Wired R6900v2.
  5. Downloaded and Installed This Image v23.05.0 found under the Heading "Firmware OpenWrt Install URL"
  6. Computer IP gets assigned to 192.168.1.127, with proper Subnet 255.255.255.0 & Gateway 192.168.1.1, so assuming it's getting assigned from OpenWRT/R6900v2
  7. Try to log into 192.168.1.1 but no luck. Refreshed browser; Different Browsers; etc.

In reading some of the other "Can't Access Web GUI" posts, could it be that the image referenced above does not have LuCI preinstalled?

If so, I was attempting to download the necessary files listed here and perform an offline LuCI install via Windows 10 Putty.

However, I can't seem to find those files listed for my specific router under "packages", but I did find my Router under "targets"

Rather than trying to install LuCI separately, is it possible to download and install a full image including LuCI from the "Targets"? If so, any "how to's" using PowerShell or Putty or Something Else in Windows 10?

Or is it possible I'm experiencing something different than LuCI not being installed?

2

Download the 23.05.0 stable release build. Copy that from your computer to your router using scp (to /tmp/) and then login via ssh and use sysupgrade on the command line to upgrade. Do not keep settings (use the -n argument when performing the upgrade).

https://firmware-selector.openwrt.org/?version=23.05.0&target=ramips%2Fmt7621&id=netgear_r6900-v2

1 Like
3

Thanks @psherman for the info!

Darn, I thought the file I downloaded in my Step #5 above was the right one :frowning:
It appears that I somehow downloaded the Snapshot (6,892KB) by mistake. Perhaps the coffee had not yet kicked in :coffee:

image

I've now downloaded what I believe to be the correct one above (7,006KB)

From here, I'm getting a bit lost in the weeds.

Does anyone have a nice step-by-step overview you can point me to?

4

isn't that what @psherman's link is ?

if you're on Windows, use winscp instead of scp.

1 Like
5

Hi @frollic yes it is... but I'm having difficulty :slight_smile:

Here's what I'm doing:

  1. Downloaded Image and Renamed to c:\OpenWRT\OpenWrtImage.img (for simple reference)
  2. Open Command Prompt
  3. cd to C:\OpenWRT
  4. ssh root@192.168.1.1
  5. scp OpenWrtImage.img root@OpenWrt:/tmp/

I get the "No such file or directory" response below.

Thought I could use native SSH in Windows 10 (instead of WinScp).
Tried Putty but get the same response.
Tried scp c:\OpenWRT\OpenWrtImage.img root@OpenWrt:/tmp/"

What am I doing wrong in #5 above (or life in general) ?

I think (hope) once I get the file over to the Router I'll be able to follow @psherman sysupgrade instructions :slight_smile:

image

6

You're not supposed to run scp on the router, but to it.

1 Like
7

Hmmm... not sure how to do that :thinking: Example?

But with your suggestion to run WinScp, and @psherman's input above, here's what I did in case someone else like me (with less knowledge of OpenWRT, SSH, etc.) might overcome accidentally installing a SnapShot:

  1. Download the latest stable build SysUpgrade BIN for your Router (in my case R6900v2 here). Note: I tried the "Factory Image" which is a n.IMG file but it did not work.... needed the BIN.
  2. I renamed the file for ease of use later to: OpenWrtSysupgrade.bin
  3. Download & Install then Run WinSCP:
    File Protocol: SCP. Host Name: 192.168.1.1. Port 22. Username=root. PW=blank
  4. Copy the BIN file you downloaded to the /tmp folder of the Router
  5. Open a Windows Command Prompt
  6. Type in: ssh root@192.168.1.1
  7. It may respond with a warning first time (proceeded)
  8. Type in: sysupgrade -n -v /tmp/OpenWrtSysupgrade.bin
  9. Answer prompts as needed
  10. It installs the BIN file and reboots the router.
  11. Try logging in from a browser to: 192.168.1.1

I've used FreshTomato for a while... now it's time to dig into OpenWRT !

Hope this helps someone in the future!

Thanks again @psherman and @frollic

8

Open a windows console : win+r, type cmd, enter. Than run the scp command.
You were using scp within ssh.

1 Like
9

Ahhh... understood, thank you @badulesia !

Example Syntax for Others (assuming C:\Drive in Windows; assuming 192.168.1.1 in Router):

  • Form: scp -r \folder\FileNameYouWantToCopy\ user@host:/path/to/WhereYouWant/TheFile/
  • Example: scp -r \OpenWRT\TestJRN.txt root@192.168.1.1:/tmp/

THAT being said, being a Windows Guy, I really like the graphical interface of WinScp that @frollic put me on!