Windows Unable to Discover Modem, and cant revert to Original Firmware

Router: TL-WR841N version 8
Windows 7 64bit
Internet: WAN port

Problem started when I was trying to figure out a way to reverse my firmware upgrade to Open WRT. I first followed the steps of using Putty and WinSCP (am a networking retard but i blindly followed instructions). I got an error at the last stage of it. At this point my router was being identified, and net was fine, I just wanted back my old firmware So I tried a Hard Reset. .

My router does not do a hard reset. It has a tiny button labelled "WPS/Reset". Apparently that is supposed to be the hard reset button, which when pressed for 15-30 seconds, is supposed to flash all the LEDs together when complete. However, it does not work in my router. All the LEDs remain unchanged when i keep the button pressed. But when re-plugged my Lan cable, i started getting this problem.

My Internet runs fine with the ethernet cable directly connected to my PC. However, my PC is no longer able to detect my router. Also cannot open router page with both default ips "192.160.1.1" or "192.168.0.1". Previously my LAN used to get discovered within 2 seconds of plugging in. Now it says "identifying" for a couple of minutes, and then changes to "Unidentified network".

Since then I've tried the hard reset several times with all cables unplugged, plugged, immediately after power on, with power off etc. Just desperation moves. Nothing works.
I have followed the previous posts and guide on the "unidentified network" issue, but it hasn't done me any good. Also re-installed the ethernet drivers for my motherboard. Didn't work.



Is my router broke?

My router does not do a hard reset.

Usually when a tech wants the user to do that it means pulling the power cord from the device.

Have you tried opening Command Prompt [right-click the icon in Accesssories and choose Run as administrator] and typing ping 192.168.x.x, whatever the default is for your router? IPCONFIG should communicate with the Router and give that number as Default gateway.

Is my router broke?

Very possible.

Berton said:

My router does not do a hard reset.

Usually when a tech wants the user to do that it means pulling the power cord from the device.

Have you tried opening Command Prompt [right-click the icon in Accesssories and choose Run as administrator] and typing ping 192.168.x.x, whatever the default is for your router? IPCONFIG should communicate with the Router and give that number as Default gateway.

Is my router broke?

Very possible.

For both the IPs i get:
PING: transmit failed. General failure.
PING: transmit failed. General failure.

Slartybart said:

Try resetting to factory defaults

Full User guide: TL-WR841N_V8_User_Guide

Page 88 only - Factory reset: TL-WR841N_V8 Factory defaults.pdf

You might have to install the original firmware after the reset, I'm not cure about your router.
If you need to do that, the earliest version on the website is TL-WR841N_V8_120802
TL-WR841N - Welcome to TP-LINK

You might not have to re-install the firmware though, the factory reset might do it for you (My Asus router does). After the factory reset - check the firmware version in the web admin utility.

Can't do a factory reset, my router page doesn't open.

Slartybart said:

four321zero said:

Can't do a factory reset, my router page doesn't open.

Sure you can ... just not the way I asked you to try. Sorry about that.

That's why I linked the full manual, in case I missed something you posted (or forgot that you couldn't get to the web based admin utility)

On page 5, you can see the rear panel and the reset description begins with "There are two ways to reset ..." and page 6 tells you how to manually reset the box

TL-WR841N_V8_UG_p5-6.pdf

WPS/RESET: This button is used for both WPS and Reset function.

To use the WPS function, press it for less than five seconds;
To use the RESET function, press it for more than five seconds.

Used as RESET button:
There are two ways to reset to the Router's factory defaults:

1) Use the Factory Defaults function on System Tools -> Factory Defaults page in the Router's Web-based Utility.


2) Use the WPS/RESET button: With the Router powered on, press and hold the WPS/RESET button (more than 5 seconds) until the SYS LED becomes quick-flash from slow-flash.
Then release the button and wait the Router to reboot to its factory default settings.

Appreciate your reply. Like I mentioned, the WPS/Reset button is what started the whole thing. The LEDs did not show any change. When I reconnected the LAN cable after reset (if I can call it a reset), I could no longer establish a connection between my PC and Router. The reset does not happen the way it is shown on youtube and other sites. Every video shows, when the reset is successfully complete, all LEDs flash together and go out. In my case, the LEDs show no change, no matter how long I press and hold the button. I got a pothole in my thumb. But it obviously did something to stop the router from being detected.

Thanks again for your help!

Just sent Tp Link a Trouble Ticket. Its quite a strange system there. They do not ask for Serial#.

After I finished filling up the form and describing my issue, I got a pop up saying "OK". I didn't get any ticket number or an email acknowledgement. Lol I hope there is more to it than just an "Ok, i feel you. There there. Everythings going to be Ok"