Upgrading and Recovering RouterOS Using Netinstall on MikroTik Print

Hello there! I’m Corels from Emmanuel Corels Creatives, and in today’s guide, we’re going to explore one of the most essential—yet often intimidating—procedures in MikroTik management: upgrading or recovering RouterOS using Netinstall. Whether you’re updating your firmware to gain new features or recovering a router after a misconfiguration, Netinstall is a lifesaver. In this article, I’ll explain what Netinstall is, why you might need it, and walk you through the entire process step by step, explaining every detail so that even beginners can follow along.

What Is Netinstall and Why Use It?

Netinstall is MikroTik’s official tool for installing or reinstalling RouterOS on your device. It can be used in scenarios such as:

• Firmware Upgrade: When you want to update your router to a new version of RouterOS.
• Recovery: If your router becomes misconfigured or unresponsive (often called “bricking”), Netinstall allows you to reinstall the OS from scratch.
• Migration: Setting up a new device with an identical configuration as an existing one.

Netinstall works by booting your MikroTik device into a special mode (often via bootloader) and then installing a new RouterOS package from a TFTP server. While it might sound technical, I promise that with clear instructions, you’ll soon see it’s a straightforward process.

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

• A Windows PC: Netinstall is a Windows-based utility.
• Netinstall Software: Download the latest version from the MikroTik website.
• RouterOS Package File: The firmware (usually a .npk file) you want to install. It should match your device’s model and your desired version.
• A Network Cable: Connect your MikroTik router to your PC using an Ethernet cable.
• Static IP on Your PC: Set your PC’s Ethernet interface to a static IP in the same subnet as the default IP used by Netinstall (commonly 192.168.88.0/24).
• A TFTP or HTTP Server: Netinstall uses TFTP (or can use HTTP) to deliver the firmware package to your router.

Real-World Note: You’ll typically use Netinstall when your router is unresponsive due to a failed configuration update or when you want to upgrade RouterOS safely on a test device before applying it to production equipment.

Step 1: Download and Prepare Netinstall

1. Download Netinstall:
   Visit the MikroTik download page and locate the Netinstall utility. Download the latest version for Windows and extract it to a folder on your PC.

2. Download the RouterOS Package:
   From the same MikroTik site, download the correct RouterOS package (.npk file) for your device. For example, if you’re running a RouterBOARD, download the RouterBOARD package.

3. Set a Static IP on Your PC:
   Go to your network settings and configure your Ethernet adapter with a static IP, such as:

   • IP Address: 192.168.88.2
   • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Leave the default gateway and DNS blank for now.

Why?
This static IP ensures that your PC can communicate with your router when it boots into Netinstall mode, which usually uses an IP like 192.168.88.1.

Step 2: Prepare Your MikroTik Router

1. Power Off Your Router:
   Unplug your MikroTik device from power.

2. Enter Netinstall Mode:

   • Depending on your device, there’s a specific procedure to boot into Netinstall mode. For many MikroTik routers, you hold down the “Reset” button while powering on the device.
   • Consult your device’s manual for the exact procedure. You should see an LED indicator or a message indicating that the device is in Netinstall mode.

Real-World Tip:
If you’re not sure, check online forums or the MikroTik Wiki for instructions specific to your model.

Step 3: Run Netinstall on Your PC

1. Launch Netinstall:
   Open the Netinstall application you downloaded earlier.

2. Configure Netinstall Settings:

   • Interface: Select the Ethernet interface that you set with a static IP (192.168.88.2).
   • IP Pool: Netinstall typically uses a default subnet (e.g., 192.168.88.0/24). Make sure your PC is in this subnet.
   • Enable “Boot Server” Mode: Check that Netinstall is ready to serve the firmware package.

3. Add the RouterOS Package:
   Drag and drop the .npk file you downloaded into the Netinstall window. This tells Netinstall which firmware to install.

Explanation:
Netinstall will now wait for your router to connect and request the firmware package. The router, in its Netinstall mode, will use TFTP to download the package from your PC.

Step 4: Install RouterOS on Your Router

1. Detect Your Router:
   In the Netinstall window, your router should appear in the list. It might show as “Found Router” with its MAC address and a default IP.

2. Select Your Router:
   Click on your router in the list to select it.

3. Start the Installation:
   Click the “Install” button in Netinstall. The router will begin downloading the RouterOS package from your PC and install it.

   What to Expect:
   You’ll see progress indicators in Netinstall. The process may take a few minutes. Once complete, the router will typically reboot automatically.

Real-World Scenario:
Imagine you attempted a firmware upgrade that left your router unresponsive. Netinstall provides a way to recover by completely reinstalling RouterOS, ensuring your device is brought back to a known good state.

Step 5: Restart and Verify

1. Restart Your Router:
   While you can sometimes reboot via Netinstall, it’s best to use your VPS or physical power cycle if recommended by your hosting provider or device manual.

2. Verify the Installation:
   Once the router reboots, use your PC to connect to the router’s default IP (typically 192.168.88.1). You should see the MikroTik login screen.

3. Log In and Update Settings:

   • Initially, the default username is admin with no password. Log in immediately and set a strong new password.
   • Review your configuration to ensure all settings are as expected.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• No Router Detected:
  Ensure your PC’s static IP is correctly set and that you’re using the correct Ethernet interface in Netinstall.
• Firewall or Security Software:
  Temporarily disable any PC firewalls or antivirus programs that might block TFTP traffic.
• Incorrect Package:
  Make sure you’ve downloaded the correct RouterOS package for your device model. Using an incompatible package can cause the installation to fail.
• Reading Documentation:
  Always refer to your device’s manual or the MikroTik Wiki for model-specific Netinstall instructions.

Final Thoughts

Using Netinstall to upgrade or recover your MikroTik RouterOS might seem daunting at first, but with careful preparation and the right steps, it becomes a powerful tool for maintaining your network’s health. By following this guide, you can confidently update your firmware or recover a misbehaving router, ensuring that your network remains robust and reliable.

Remember, practice makes perfect—set up a test environment if you can, and get comfortable with the process before rolling it out in production. As always, if you have any questions or run into issues, feel free to reach out. Happy upgrading, and here’s to a resilient network!

Explained with practical clarity by
Corels – Admin, Emmanuel Corels Creatives