For trying OpenWrt (so a complete newbie!!) I just bought a used Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream and followed the instructions on Linksys EA8300. Installed OpenWrt 22.05.6 and to avoid problems (which I got) with my current router (192.168.1.1) and AdguardHome adblocker I changed (with LuCi web-interface) router IP-address to 192.168.1.3 and set the forward DNS to 8.8.8.8. With ssh (windows terminal) I executed and checked fw_setenv kernsize 500000
And I could execute both opkg update and opkg install luci to learn that everything already was up date date.
Now I try to update to OpenWrt 23.xx, downloaded the software on my PC and following the instructions I tried to browse to http://192.168.1.3/cgi-bin/luci/mini/system/upgrade/ and got a 404 error: not found. Deleted the /tmp/luci-indexcache file(s) as recommended and tried again. Both files were re-created.
Once you have performed the variable change, directly install the latest 25.12 factory image WITHOUT keepings settings. Upgrading from 22.03 to 25.12 is not officially recommanded but it is capable for this device as you are restarting configuration from scratch.
If you have issue with LuCI, consider performing the upgrade using SSH. Make sure you are flashing an image containing LuCI. Once you have installed and configured 25.12, consider reflashing the same image while KEEPING the settings. You will have a functionnal 25.12 OpenWrt on both partitions.
Thanks frollic: possibly, but your hint to use the luci menu was very helpful: System --> Software and then Upload package. Should work, but see the results in my replay to badulesia below.
Thanks badulesia: in luci menu System --> Software I was able to upload the *.bin file(s), but it then prompts me to install and then I immediately get Executing package manager
`##### Errors
Collected errors: * pkg_init_from_file: Malformed package file /tmp/upload.ipk.
The *opkg install* command failed with code `255`.`
I tried the files below and in this order: all gave the same result:
Your suggestion to do this with shh: thanks, but please explaine me how to todo that. I already tried (with ssh) to find the mentioned /tmp/upload.ipk. Could not find it.
Do you have an idea how to process further, including "uploading" the "package file" and the the "install"
If you already have it on your PC why not flash it directly via: Luci > System > Backup/Flash Firmware
Choose flash image and upload the image from your PC do not keep settings as instructed.
Warning I do not have your router and it was some time a go I used such an old build
Why not? Because I didn't read thoroughly so didn't look beyond the obvious - which was for me System --> Software and overlooked the Firmware flash lower in the menu.
So, many thanks for the tip!
Thanks badulesia: That what I did (yesterday evening) and it started updating, but seemed to keep that doing for more than 30 min. So after about 45 min I decided to reload the browser window: black screen etc. etc., Switched it of and on|: nothing. I even - I shouldn't have done that - used the reset button. Nothing.
This morning a changed the setup a little no longer via a switch (router had unique IP 192.168.1.3) as yesterday . but not direct on the ethernet port on an old W10 laptop.
And it works!! I now have s start-screen from OpenWrt 25.12.3. Perfect:!! So during udate it did not update the screen, but it worked nevertheless.
The only thing changed is: the IP address is back to 192.168.1.1, possibly caused by my (mis-)use of the reset button.
Thanks to the support of all of you: now I can start configuration (mainly reserved IP-addresses via DHCP) and setting up a network-wide adblocker directly in the router. Have to figure out which one, but in al cases it will be on the router.
Up to now I used AdguardHome or Pi-hole on a RasperryPi 3B+, conneceted to my current router.
Have a nice weekend and thanks again for the kind support to all of you: this completed my puzzle, piece by piece.
Installing from OEM firmware takes about 1 min. You DO have browser cache issue. Usually I launch a private browser session to acces OEM firmware, than regulate browse to enter Luci.
The newer Linksys router has two firmwares. If you fail to update a firmware, you plug the device in for 6 seconds, unplug, repeat 2 more times and you’ll boot into the other firmware.