Crash recovery (aka Emergency Firmware Recovery) is required if:
1. Downgrading firmware to version 1.10 or lower
2. Applying 3rd party firmware such as DD-WRT
3. Putting D-Link firmware back on from a 3rd party firmware installation
To crash recover, do the following:
1. Download the D-Link firmware you want to apply. Firmware can be found at
https://support.dlink.com/ProductInfo.aspx?m=DIR-890L%2fR. You will need v1.11B02 BETA1 and v1.20B01. For DD-WRT installation, go here -->
http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=73607.02. Unplug the cable from the Internet port.
3. Turn off the DIR-890L. Hold in the reset button with a paperclip and then power on while holding the reset button down.
4. Wait about 10 seconds and release.
5. Statically assign your computer an IP address of 192.168.0.2 / 255.255.255.0.
6. Open a web browser. From personal experience, use FireFox. I had issues with Chrome and IE 11 for some reason. If you fail loading the firmware, repeat step 3-5 and use a different browser.
7. Go to
http://192.168.0.1. The Firmware Recovery page should appear. If not, Try step 3 again. Note this may take a few tries to work.
8. Load firmware v1.11B02BETA1.
9. Once the router finishes, you may need to close your browser and reopen. Go back to 192.168.0.1. You should get a login screen. For me, my old settings and password were retained so try logging in with your old password. If not, leave the password box blank.
10. Go to
Management >
Upgrade and upgrade to v1.11B04 (this is found in the 1.20B01 package).
11. Once finished, go back in the UI to
Management >
Upgrade and you can upgrade 1.20B01 or the latest (v1.21B01).
12. Once finished, plug the cable back into the Internet port and change your computer's IP settings back. You may need to reboot the router (turn off/on).