Another firmware nightmare

[gazaz]

Wondered if someone can help !! I have killed my out of warrenty N5200.

It has worked perfectly for 1 1/2 years. Unfortunately I tried to upgrade the firmware and killed it !! Think I was going from 1.00.1 to 2.0.0.14. It went to about 8% in the upgrade process and then stopped with a fault message.

The device still boots, and says 2.0.0.14, but WAN is displayed as N/A and there is no LAN info. I can't log into the html settings page any more. The front buttons don't appear to work either....

What I have tried so far is ....

1)Factory reset - didn't work
2) Setup wizard - doesn't detect the device
3)Tried a USB stick flash from startup but unfortunately no luck. I used version 2.0.0.14 firmware and a modified Factory_test. The system boots up and ignores the usb drive. I have tried both FAT and FAT32 and also all different USB ports with not luck. I have also tried about x4 different usb sticks of varying sizes.

I looked inside the device and it is easy to remove the flash card. I have access to a working N5200pro. Is there an easy way to copy the flash from it and repair the N5200 ??

I did see a thread in the forum about this, but it seemed very complex. I have no experience with linux or programming. Is there anyone who can explain in a simple fashion how to fix this !?

thanks in advance

[jaysung]

Hello,
yes, there is a way. I don't consider it to be complex. Well it was prity much my idea. Never tried it for I didn't need to. But reportedly works.
What you need:
- usb to 44pin ide adapter (can be had from vendors such as digitus).
- flash card with 44pin ide connection (CAREFUL! there are right and left handed). This means there is the connector and then the actual card which stands rectanguarly from the connector (sorry for my bad english).
- An image of a working firmware. Can be produced as follows:
* install sshd and sysuser modules from www.onbeat.dk/thecus/ for the n5200
- log in as sys
- at the prompt enter
thecus:/> dd i`=/dev/hda of=/raid/data/yourfolder/image.
- Then you take a linux machine and drag the produced image from the Thecus box onto your flash card
> dd if=image of=/dev/sda or whatever happens to be your usb adapted flash card (which can be the original card which was in the broken Thecus box).
- then you reinsert the flash card and off you go.
I could provide you with an image if it is too difficult to make one. But once you have a linux (could even be a livedvd as knoppix) up and running and you are logged in to the shell it is really a childs walk. I am not a linux guru myself.
Cheers
Jeronimo
For further help write an e-mail : info at masterid dot de

[gazaz]

ok brilliant I will give it a go, and email if I get stuck

[marrandy]

Dec 29, 2008 0:36:34 GMT 7 gazaz said:

ok brilliant I will give it a go, and email if I get stuck

And the result was

[siet]

DID U GET SORTED?

IF U CAN LOG INTO THE WEB BROWSER I MAY BE ABLE TO HELP!

SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!

[gazaz]

Couldn't manage to get it fixed myself, but posted the card to jaysung, who very kindly fixed it for me


Very pleased !

[schlomo]

Hi,

I have the same problem, but I dont have the possibility to get a working Image. Is there anybody, who can provide me with such an image or is knowing a Link to get an working image.

Thanks

[jaysung]

Hi,
well, I can provide you with an image or a card with an image in case yours should be broken. I have openfiler as well and a shop selling replacements at hand.
Haven't been here for a while. Sorry. But just drop me a mail to info aaaat-sign masterid doooot-sign de.
I mean anybody needing help with n5200/pro is welcome. ;-)
Last time I tried to help I fried my own card but still I haven't lost fun and the willingness to help and learn myself.
Cheers
Jeronimo

[peterfu]

Here a link for Downloading a working N5200pro Image (FW 2.00.14)
www.futterknecht.at/index.php/downloadsep/docpage/cat_view/34-thecus-n5200/39-n5200-usefull-stuff
br
peter

[realityloop]

Oct 8, 2009 1:29:23 GMT 7 peterfu said:

Here a link for Downloading a working N5200pro Image (FW 2.00.14)
www.futterknecht.at/index.php/downloadsep/docpage/cat_view/34-thecus-n5200/39-n5200-usefull-stuff
br
peter

Hi Peter,

In an effort to downgrade from the 3.00.04.5 I've followed the instructions on your page, in my case:
sudo dd if=thecus_hda.dd of=/dev/sdb

Now I seem to be stuck in a "Self testing..." followed by a reboot loop.. can you give any suggestions?

Thanks.

[peterfu]

Sorry, but I only host the image and have never used it by myself.You may contact budy from www.thecusforum.eu, who has provided that image
br
Peter