Major Internet Problems, WRT54G ver.6

Question

I bought a new linksys wireless router a few months ago to go with my new laptop, I set it all up and installed the software it worked fine for a few months. But two or three months ago it suddenly stopped transmitting the internet through the signal, my computer could connect to it but there wasn't any internet. I plugged directly into the modem and it worked fine. I tried reinstalling the software, updating the firmware using tftp.exe and it still didn't work. I used all the help pages and followed them correctly at the technical support area, but still nothing. I did notice something strange however... after updating the firmware and reinstalling and resetting the router, I went to "view wireless networks" and it was there, but it had a different name then when it worked, it also had a different encryptioon method. It used to have wep, now it has wpa and my network key dosen't work so I can't connect to it anymore. Then I tried to use the web based utility, since I only have one internet connection I connected it back into my modem and I tried the web based utitlity. I had to use Admin agian like the first time I logged in, becuase I did change the password. It went to one of the pages, then I clicked on about 3 other pages to find the new key, It suddenly gave me the "error: 401" page. and now I can't reconnect. PLEASE HELP! thank you.

Answer 1

It sounds like either:
a) you ran an unsecured wireless network and someone else wirelessly changed your router settings, or
b) you are trying to update your router settings wirelessly  (Note: When updating the router, you should always use a computer that is wired to the router.)
The first thing you need to do is reset your router to factory defaults, then setup your router again from scratch.  If you saved a router configuration file, DO NOT use it.
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, try the setup disk (or setup the router manually, if you prefer), and see if you can get your router setup and working.
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.
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 06-28-2007 09:59 PM