DIAGNOSIS A blinking white ring indicates the router is in its boot sequence but cannot complete it. This is often caused by corrupted settings or firmware from an improper shutdown.
FIX Attempt a hard reset. With the router powered on, use a paperclip to press and hold the recessed reset button on the back for at least 15 seconds. Release when the ring light changes from blinking white to blinking amber. The router will reboot and restore factory defaults. This can take up to 5 minutes.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the blinking white persists after the hard reset, a more serious firmware corruption has occurred. You must use the TFTP recovery method. This requires downloading the exact RAXE500 firmware file from Netgear's website and using a TFTP client on a wired computer to push it to the router's recovery IP address (192.168.1.1).
HEADS UP Repeated boot failures after power events suggest you should use a UPS (battery backup) for the router. A clean, uninterrupted power supply is critical for these complex devices.