How to Backup Original Firmware of Esp8266EX or Esp-01

Why ? backup of original firmware is important.

simplest ans is = original is original

In this tutorial I will show you how to backup original firmware of esp8266ex.

The ESP8266EX is a low-cost Wi-Fi microchip with full TCP/IP stack and microcontroller capability produced by manufacturer Espressif Systems in Shanghai, China.

Hardware

1. ESP8266EX or ESP8266-01

2. FTDI Module which supports 3.3 v Output

3. Breadboard

4. Jumper wire

I do not advise Arduino. it causes lots of problems

1. Python 2 or Python 3 its up to you

And do not forget to install (Python Serial Library) for more info and installation process

2 .esptool

3. at last you will need command prompt or terminal

and Software part is done

FTDI CONNECTION......................ESP8266EX CONNECTION

1. FTDI GND..............................................ESP GND + ESP GPIO0
2. FTDI RX..................................................ESP TX
3. FTDI TX..................................................ESP RX
4. FTDI VCC...............................................ESP CH-PD + ESP VCC

Connection part is done now its time to backup

1. copy the esptool to ( C:/ ) Directory
2. Open your command prompt
3. now follow the commands

cd /

cd esptool 

Installation of Esptool

setup.py install

IMPORTANT to correctly set the flash size and flash mode values according to your device.

esptool.py --port COMx flash_id

Firmware backup

esptool.py --port COMx read_flash 0x00000 0x400000 image.bin

Some Extra Commands :

Erase firmware

esptool.py --port COMx erase_flash

Upload firmware

esptool.py --port COMx write_flash -fs 4MB -fm dio 0x0 image.bin

Change the value of x to your COM port x=Port Number ....Example: COM15,COM12