How to fix a Bricked Linksys Router

The following simple solution explains how to fix a bricked Linksys router. Tested on a Linksys WRT54G router. Typically a router can become bricked if a firmware update was unsuccessful. Many people think that their Linksys router is no longer any good because they cannot access the Linksys admin panel after a failed firmware update. However, in most cases, a bricked Linksys router is completely repairable and simply requires a new means of flashing to get it back up and running again.

Note: If you have attempted a flash update and it failed, this tutorial is for you. Before proceeding, disable any existing wireless connections.

Fixing a Bricked Linksys Router

To fix a bricked Linksys router, we will be working via a wired port to communicate and repair the broken Linksys router. I have personally tested this tutorial on Linksys WRT54G and Linksys WRT600N routers. Untested routers may work as well.

  1. Download known working firmware for your Linksys router. Rename the bin file to works.bin and move it to your Desktop.
  2. Connect your PC to the broken Linksys router via an Ethernet cable.
  3. Navigate to Start->Control Panel->Network Connections
    (or press the Windows+R keys, type ncpa.cpl and then click OK)
    Win+R ncpa.cpl
  4. Double click the Local Area Connection or Ethernet icon.
  5. Click Properties and double click Internet Protocol (TCP/IPv4) from the list.
  6. Click the option to Use the following IP address: set up as follows, then click OK

    IP address: 192.168.1.10
    Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
    Default gateway: 192.168.1.1

    You should end up with an IP, subnet and gateway address like this;
    TCP/IP properties

  7. Next, navigate to Start->Run and type cmd and click OK
    (or press the Windows+R keys, type cmd and click OK)
    command window shortcut
  8. Repeat step 7. You should now have two command windows open.
  9. From the first command window type cd Desktop and press enter.
    Next, type PING -t 192.168.1.1 but DO NOT PRESS enter yet.
    Pinging a Router
  10. From the second command window also type cd Desktop and press enter.
    Then, type tftp -i 192.168.1.1 PUT works.bin but DO NOT PRESS enter yet.
    How to fix a bricked Linksys router
  11. From the first PING command window press enter. Immediately following, press enter from the second tftp command window.
  12. After the firmware has been uploaded, you should be able to reset your Linksys router and log into the Linksys admin panel.

IMPORTANT: The upload needs to occur within a five second window, so you may not be successful the first time! Sometimes it can take multiple tries before you get the router to accept the upload.

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