When to use the 'RST' file

The .ALL file contains the router's firmware. If you flash the .ALL file, the router should retain all of its existing settings and after it has flashed and rebooted will resume normal operation automatically. Never change the filename or attempt to alter/edit the firmware file.

If you are making a major firmware upgrade (for example where the first digit changes, say 1.5 to 2.6), or where the readme.txt notes recommend it, you should use the RST file which will clear all existing router settings. The RST file is also necessary if your router has corrupted firmware, or invalid settings which cause it to malfunction. A firmware corruption should not occur during normal usage but can occur if the router is subject to abnormal trauma (e.g. power/line spike or brown-out). Firmware or settings abnormalities can also occur if you have attempted to flash an invalid firmware file into the router, or tried to restore settings from an incompatible model/device. Reflashing the correct RST file will restore the router's firmware and also the 'factory default' settings of the router, wiping all existing settings. The unit must then be re-configured from scratch. Do not attempt to restore backed up settings from a file if the backup file was taken from a router with corrupt/invalid settings.