Technical How To’s

This tutorial will show you how to install the DD-WRT firmware on a Linksys WRT54GL wireless router.  The DD-WRT firmware makes advanced features, usually only available on more expensive routers, available on cheaper models.  My purpose for this mod is to create a wireless receiver for my modded Xbox.

Hardware you will need:

• Linksys WRT54GL wireless router
• PC
• Ethernet cord

Software you will need:

• Internet Explorer
• DD-WRT Version 23 SP2 Mini
• DD-WRT Version 23 SP2 Standard
• Compression application (Winzip, WinRAR, etc.)

The easiest way to install the DD-WRT firmware on a Linksys WRT54GL wireless router is using the firmware upgrade option in the Linksys web interface. In order to install DD-WRT on version 1.0 of the router, the mini version will first have to be installed, then the standard version. Determine your version here.

**DISCLAIMER** The following instructions will void your warranty and if done incorrectly may brick your router. I can not be held responsible for any resulting equipment failure or otherwise undesirable results. Proceed at your own risk.

Install DD-WRT Version 23 SP2 Mini:

1. Disable all firewalls, anti-virus software, and wireless connections on the PC
2. Unzip the DD-WRT Version 23 SP2 mini and standard compressed files
3. Connect the PC to the WRT54GL via Ethernet cable (ports labeled 1-4, not the WAN or Internet port)
4. Open Internet Explorer and navigate to 192.168.1.1 (this will open the Linksys web interface)
   NOTE: You will be presented with a login prompt, use the credentials you set when configuring the router, if you cannot remember what they are, press the Reset button for 30 seconds, username and password will be reset (username: (blank), password: admin)
5. Select the Administration->Factory Defaults tab
6. Select the Yes radio button in the Restore Factory Defaults: section and press the Save Settings button
7. Press the OK button on Warning prompt
8. A success screen will appear followed by a login prompt (username: (blank), password: admin)
9. Select the Administration->Firmware Upgrade tab
10. Press the Browse… button and navigate to the location which the mini version of DD-WRT was unzipped
11. Select the dd-wrt.v23_mini_generic.bin file and press the Open button, then the Upgrade button
    NOTE: Do NOT do anything on the computer while the upgrade is taking place, a failed upgrade can brick your router
12. Press the continue button on the success page
13. The login prompt will appear again (username: root, password: admin) but login should FAIL
14. Verify that the router is working by pinging it (go to Start->Run, type cmd, press Enter, type ping 192.168.1.1, press enter, should be successful)
15. If router is working, press and hold the Reset button on the back of the router then unplug the power to the router
16. While continuing to hold the Reset button, plug in the power to the router and hold the Reset button for 30 more seconds
17. When the Power LED on the router stop blinking, open Internet Explorer and navigate to 192.168.1.1, you may be prompted to login (username: root, password: admin)
18. DD-WRT mini web interface should now be displayed

Install DD-WRT Version 23 SP2 Standard:

1. Repeat steps 1-9 from above
2. Press the Browse… button and navigate to the location which the standard version of DD-WRT was unzipped
3. Select the dd-wrt.v23_generic.bin file and press the Open button
4. Select the Default settings radio button in the After flashing, reset to section, then press the Upgrade button
   NOTE: Do NOT do anything on the computer while the upgrade is taking place, a failed upgrade can brick your router
5. A success page will appear followed by the DD-WRT standard web interface

If something goes wrong when flashing the firmware and your router is not working, all may not be lost. Read on here to try and resurrect you router.