There are 2 versions in the Mega folder B030SP08

bcm96368MVWG_fs_kernel_HG612V100R001C01B030SP08_unlocked

bcm96368MVWG_fs_kernel_HG612V100R001C01B030SP08_webgui

The _unlocked one has Telnet access but no web Gui
The _webgui one has both Telnet access and a web Gui

Which one are you using?

I've actually tried them both, with the same result.

What concerns me is that I cant factory reset.

I've read that this will only work if there is a active DSL connection, is this the case?

No, it will work even if the modem is not connected.

The main problem I have seen is if anti-virus is running on your PC. I have to turn it off to make the flashing work.

Also, remember you have to flash using the "reset" method, not using the web GUI button.

Another thing to remember is to connect LAN2 on the modem to your PC ethernet port.

Yes, AV is off (wont download the firmware otherwise).

Using the reset method, otherwise I cant communicate with the modem on either lan port.

I am using lan2, I get all the messages as per instructions, just once its completed I cant get to connect to the modem GUI or telnet.

I need to reset, but that dosent seem to work either!

Please confirm the correct procedure to reset? Does the modem need to be on or off before holding the reset down for 15 secs?

Once it's completed, you don't need to reset - but it does take a while to boot

The procedure is here

In reference to www.kitz.co.uk/routers/hg612hacking.htm:

1. Power off the modem.
2. Connect your PC directly to the LAN2 socket
3. Configure the ethernet NIC of your PC with IP address 192.168.1.100.
4. Press the RESET button on the modem and keep it pressed.
5. Do not release the button yet.
6. Power on the modem.
7. Keep the RESET button pressed for a further five seconds.
8. Use your browser to visit the modem's web address http://192.168.1.1/
9. You should see Update Software web page
10. Click the Browse button.
11. Select unlocked firmware from your hard drive and click Update Software.
12. You will now see the Software Upgrade web page
13. Do not turn off the modem until the new firmware is loaded and the modem
14. Once the modem has rebooted, visit the address http://192.168.1.1/ again.
15. You should see the HG612 Login page

Please say which number you get stuck at

In reply to a post by Philce:

Please confirm the correct procedure to reset? Does the modem need to be on or off before holding the reset down for 15 secs?

That "long reset" will reload the locked firmware

Is telnet client enabled in your Windows internet options?

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

Once it's completed, you don't need to reset - but it does take a while to boot

The procedure is here

In reference to www.kitz.co.uk/routers/hg612hacking.htm:

1. Power off the modem.
2. Connect your PC directly to the LAN2 socket
3. Configure the ethernet NIC of your PC with IP address 192.168.1.100.
4. Press the RESET button on the modem and keep it pressed.
5. Do not release the button yet.
6. Power on the modem.
7. Keep the RESET button pressed for a further five seconds.
8. Use your browser to visit the modem's web address http://192.168.1.1/
9. You should see Update Software web page
10. Click the Browse button.
11. Select unlocked firmware from your hard drive and click Update Software.
12. You will now see the Software Upgrade web page
13. Do not turn off the modem until the new firmware is loaded and the modem
14. Once the modem has rebooted, visit the address http://192.168.1.1/ again.
15. You should see the HG612 Login page

Please say which number you get stuck at

I get to step 14, but I get nothing on 192.168.1.1, I did change the IP to 192.168.0.200, and this is where I get the connection refused message.

The factory reset does nothing.

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

Is telnet client enabled in your Windows internet options?

Yes, I use it for work. (win 10 so I am using a chrome plugin)

In reply to a post by Philce:

I get to step 14, but I get nothing on 192.168.1.1, I did change the IP to 192.168.0.200, and this is where I get the connection refused message.

So did you use 192.168.1.1 all the way through the process and then try 192.168.0.200 right at the end (14)?