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If you're updating your router and haven't done it for a while, make sure you download ALL of the firmware updates for your TP-Link router. Then install the updates one by one, starting with the oldest firmware first. Do the newest one last.

Today I was updating the firmware for my Archer C7, version 2.0, that I purchased in 2015. I hadn't ever updated it, so I wasn't sure what exactly was involved. I assumed I just needed to download the newest firmware update and install it and I'd be good to go. But when I tried installing the newest update first, things just stalled out -- for over FOUR HOURS. My router was useless and I was worried it might require a factory reset.

Fortunately, I finally found a helpful video online where someone suggested starting with the oldest update first and working my way up from there. So I did that, going step by step. Within 30 minutes I was up and running.

I should add that I'm not an IT expert -- I'm just a regular guy who works in a small office and often ends up doing a lot of tech-related things to help out his coworkers. I hope the information above saves someone from the headaches I experienced today.