Networking – Why can’t I install DD-WRT on a DLINK DIR 600 A1

dd-wrtnetworkingrouterwireless-networking

I have an old router laying around and I am wanting to install DD-WRT on it to make it an access point. However, when downloading it I get an error:

The uploaded firmware file may not be correct. You may have uploaded a
file that is not intended for this Gateway, or the uploaded file may
be corrupted.

If the uploaded file is correct, it is possible that the gateway may
be too busy to properly receive it right now. In this case, please try
the upload again. It is also possible that you are logged in as a
'user' instead of an 'admin' – only administrators can upload new
firmware.

The Gateway will not be reprogrammed.

Things I've Tried:

  • Uploading using the "backdoor" emergency firmware install application
  • Uploading using the GUI in both Chrome and an old version of IE
  • Disabled my WiFi adapter on my laptop
  • Added static IP
  • 30-30-30 reset
  • Disabling static IP
  • Different computer
  • Firefox, IE11, Safari, Chrome
  • Different Cable (believe one is a crossover and one isn't)
  • Many, many, many tries

None of this helps!

It seems especially weird when it shows up in the database that it is supported.

All of the things above don't help. It says in the database that it is supported however it points me to the DIR 601 firmware. I have read that they are identical even using the same PCB (and not changing the numbers on it either) but I don't know if they have different firmware. I've heard that they are interchangeable but I can't find out what I'm doing wrong to install DD-WRT on my router. The only thing that I can think of is if there is a kill firmware that I overlooked to allow me to install the firmware. Also, I'm not connected to WAN: would that make a difference? It's just a link to my computer. EDIT: Port doesn't matter tried every port.

(Using firmware v21061 "Webflash for first installation")

Router back

I'm using the blue port labeled "1" [EDIT: I don't think that that matters, though]

Best Answer

Make sure you are using the file "dir601a1-factory-to-ddwrt-firmware.bin" from the site and not "dir601a1-firmware.bin".

It's possible you may have a "C" revision board, which isn't supported by DD-WRT, in a "A" revision chassis - it may have had the board swapped in a return or repair.

If you still have problems, it seems to be supported by Open-WRT, so you can try that. Instructions.

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