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.

Fixing a Bricked Linksys Router:

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

  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 and double click the Local Area Connection icon. Click the Properties button and double click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) from the list
  4. Click the option to Use the following IP address: and set it up as follows and then click Ok:
    • IP address: 192.168.1.10
    • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
    • Default gateway: 192.168.1.1
  5. Next, navigate to Start->Run and type cmd and click Ok
  6. Repeat step 4. You should now have two command windows open
  7. 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
  8. From the Second command windows type cd Desktop and press enter. Next, type tftp -i 192.168.1.1 PUT works.bin but DO NOT PRESS enter yet
  9. From the first command window press enter. Immediately following, press enter from the second command window
  10. After the firmware has been uploaded, you should be able to reset your Linksys router and log into the Linksys admin panel

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

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