Updating WAP firmware

[Dogdaysdude]

If I update my wap's firmware, do I need to re-enter all my router settings afterward?
I have a Linksys WRT54G access point.
Thanks.

[PrntRhd]

No, but I found that doing a Reset back to factory defaults after doing the update made the router more stable.
In my case, the router instability drove me to do the reset, since then it has had no issues at all.

[Dogdaysdude]

Ok, Thanks. I have read where the router wouldn't work after doing the upgrade in a few cases, so I'm a little hesitant to do it. I know that I have selected the correct firmware. Haven't tried it yet.

[Erik]

There is always a possibility something will go wrong and either your current settings will be lost, or the device becomes unusable. However I have done this numerous times with different routers/switches/WAPs and have never had that problem. As long as you have the right firmware, and follow the proper procedure for the upgrade you will be fine. Just make a backup of the current settings (saved to a file if possible, or just a written copy of passwords, etc.) just in case.

[PrntRhd]

I agree with Erik.

The Reset I described wipes all the passwords and settings to factory defaults, so any possible corruption of the functions due to the update is wiped out and the router runs properly once reconfigured. It should not have been required in my case but it occurred.
The update process on Linksys routers is quite easy these days, just download the versions proper file to a known location and execute via the administrative web interface, just follow the directions on the screen.
I downloaded the entire Linksys WRT54G operators manual for the router as reference, it explains Resets step-by-step and other quite useful information.

The router will not upgrade if it had third party firmware loaded on it. Also a bad router may still be bad after firmware updates are attempted, after all firmware is just the software needed to run the router, it does not fix bad hardware.

I would not hesitate to upgrade the firmware to the latest version, usually wait a week to 10 days after a new release just in case, but never had a problem.

[Dogdaysdude]

OK. Thanks much.