E2000 DD WRT Flash

Linksys E2000 DD WRT Flash Guide

The Linksys E2000 is a very capable router, however the firmware on the router is sub par. Using a 3rd party firmware from DD WRT we will unlock the potential of the E2000.

1. We need to grab two files to flash the E2000. You can find the most up to date firmwares by visiting DD WRT’s router database. A quick search for “E2000″, will pull up the most stable and recommend version of DD WRT for the E2000. The current stable build is 16785.  However, the forum indicates the recommended build is 14929. We are going to go ahead and used the forum recommended files. The two files you need:

  • Trailing Build – This file is used to flash the router from a Linksys Firmware to the DD WRT firmware.
  • Firmware 14929 – This is the complete firmware file that will overwrite the Trailing Build.

2. Now we need to manually set the IP address on your computer. Begin by click on the Start Menu -> Control Panel.

 

3. Next locate and double click on “Network and Sharing Center”.

4. Click on “Change Adapter Settings”, this will show every install network adapter on your computer. You’ll need to locate a hard wired adapter, nothing wireless. You can usually tell a wireless adapter by the signal logo. Wired plugs will have the wire logo. At this point, plug your computer directly into your router.

NOTE: Please plug the ethernet cable into a port labelled 1, 2, 3, or 4. Do not plug it into the port labelled “Internet”

5. After locating your wired network adapter, right click on the adapter and click on “Properties”. This will bring up a window with the properties of your network adapter.

6. Click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then click on “Properties”.

7. Next fill in “IP Address” with 192.168.1.5 and Subnet Mask with 255.255.255.0. Then click “Ok”.

8. Now we are ready to start flashing your E2000. First start by executing a 30/30/30 reboot on your router.

  • Find and locate the reset button on the back of the router, hold the button in while the router is on, count to 30.
  • While still holding the reset button, pull the power plug, count to 30.
  • While still holding the reset button, connect the power plug, count to 30.
  • Now you can release the reset button

This will clear the nvram in the router and enable you to clearly flash the new firmware.

9. Open a browser and navigate to http://192.168.1.1. The default username and password is: “admin” & “admin”.

10. Next click on “Administration”.

11. Click on “Firmware Upgrade”.

12. Click “Choose File” and locate the file “dd-wrt.v24-14929_NEWD-2_K2.6_std_usb_ftp-e2000″. This is the Trailing Build file. Then click “Start to Upgrade”.

13. When the firmware finishes flashing the router will announce that “Upgrade is Successful”.

14. The router will reboot and begin to configure its new firmware. Give the router 5 mins before attempting to login. Once 5 has elapsed navigate to your router address http://192.168.1.1. You’ll need to enter a new username and password, then click “Change Password”.

15. The router will now bring you to the homepage.

16. Now we are going to flash the “big” version of the 14929 firmware. Click on “Administration”.

17. Next click “Firmware Upgrade”. Click “Choose File” and locate “dd-wrt.v24-14929_NEWD-2_K2.6_big-e2k-e3k”. Next make sure that “After flashing, reset to: Reset to Default settings”. Click “Upgrade”.

18. The firmware should begin loading into the router.

19. When complete the router will confirm the upgrade with “Upgrade Success”. Give the router a few minutes to reboot.

20. Execute a 30/30/30 reboot. Log back into your router and set the username and the password.

21. There are a few things we can do to optimize the router. First we will set the transmission power. Click on “Wireless”.

22. Next click on “Advanced Settings”. Locate the setting “Tx Power” and set the value to “50”. This will lower the transmit power on the router, and help keep it from overheating. Scroll down and click “Save”

23. Next click on “Administration”.

24. Now click on “Commands”. We are going to execute a few commands on the router. The router comes overclocked by Linksys and runs a bit hot. By reducing the transmit power and restoring the router to its OEM clock-rate we will help reduce the operating temperature of the router.

25. Execute the following commands:

nvram set clkfreq=300,150,75
nvram commit
reboot

NOTE: If the router says “nvram lock”, just wait a few minutes and try again.

All DONE! Your E2000 should now be flashed to the 14929 build. This router is capable of streaming most 720P/1080P videos from your media server to your HTPC. However your signal strength must be strong there maintaining the bandwidth. At this point you might be asking why did we lowered the transmit power. The idea is to make sure the router does not overheat, the solution to extending the signal is to add more routers! I suggest you read the HTPCBuild.com Wireless Distribution System Guide. It will show you how to link multiple E2000s to extend signal and/or maintain strong signal over a given area.

Check back often for more guides to help you with your HTPC build!