Can't get WRT54GS working, but my BEFSX41 does. Twice on phone support, no joy.

Question

My current setup that works:
befsx41 router:
internet connection type: Obtain an IP automatically
local ip address: 192.168.1.1
subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Local DHCP Server: enabled
Start IP: 192.168.1.100
My computer:
IP address: 192.168.1.100
subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
default gateway: 192.168.1.1
Prefered dns server: xx.xxx.xxx.xx
alternate dns server xx.xxx.xx.xx
I've run the EasyLink Connect program more than once while connected to the WRT54GS router.  The last time I ran it, it was telling me that I didn't have a Linksys router connected, even though the wrt54gs router was indeed connected.
I'm trying to connect one desktop to the WRT54GS router with wire.  Shouldn't I just be able to connect the WRT54GS router in the same way as the BEFSX41 and change the IP address and Default Gateway on my computer?
I've gone through this over the phone twice and still no joy.  Any help would be appreciated, I don't want to call again if I don't have to.
thanks,
Monte
Message Edited by monte on 01-12-2008 08:35 PM

Answer 1

Its not clear from your note whether your computer got its 192.168.1.100  address from the BEFSX41's  DHCP server, or whether you have assigned your computer a fixed LAN IP address.  If it got the address from the DHCP server, its OK.  If you went into your computer and set it to 192.168.1.100 , then you have used an illegal fixed LAN IP address, and this might be the cause of your problem.  Any fixed LAN IP address must be outside the DHCP server range.
Assuming your computer got its address from the DHCP server (or assuming you change the address to a valid fixed LAN IP address, such as 192.168.1.20 )  then your WRT54GS should work when set to its factory default values.
To reset your router to factory defaults, use the following procedure:
1) Power down all computers, the router, and the modem, and unplug them from the wall.
2) Disconnect all wires from the router.
3) Power up the router and allow it to fully boot (1-2 minutes).
4) Press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds, then release it, then let the router reset and reboot (2-3 minutes).
5) Power down the router.
6) Connect one computer by wire to port 1 on the router (NOT to the internet port).
7) Power up the router and allow it to fully boot (1-2 minutes).
8) Power up the computer (if the computer has a wireless card, make sure it is off).
9) Try to ping the router. To do this, click the "Start" button > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. A black DOS box will appear. Enter the following: "ping 192.168.1.1" (no quotes), and hit the Enter key. You will see 3 or 4 lines that start either with "Reply from ... " or "Request timed out." If you see "Reply from ...", your computer has found your router.
10) Open your browser and point it to 192.168.1.1. This will take you to your router's login page. Leave the user name blank, and in the password field, enter "admin" (with no quotes). This will take you to your router setup page. Note the version number of your firmware (usually listed near upper right corner of screen). Exit your browser.
If you get this far without problems, power down the computer and WRT54GS.  Connect the ethernet port on your modem, by wire, to the Internet port on the WRT54GS.  Leave a computer connected by wire to port 1 on the WRT54GS.  Power up the modem and allow it to fully boot (1-5 minutes).  Power up the WRT54GS and allow it to fully boot (1-2 minutes).  Power up your computer.  Test your Internet connection  -- it should work.  If you still have trouble, in the computer, temporarily turn off your software firewall, including Windows firewall, and see if that helps.
If you cannot get "Reply from ..." in step 9 above, your router is dead.
If you get a reply in step 9, but cannot complete step 10, then either your router is dead or the firmware is corrupt. In this case, use the Linksys tftp.exe program to try to reload your router with the latest firmware. After reloading the firmware, repeat the above procedure starting with step 1.
If you need additional help, please state your ISP, the make and model of your modem, your router's firmware version, and the results of steps 9 and 10. Also, if you get any error messages, copy them exactly and report back.
Please let me know how things turn out for you.