Road Runner Cable - Windows 7, 32 bit - WRT54G v5 (Manually configuring without Linksys CD)

Question

Hello,
My sister recently got a new computer with Windows 7 and has switched from DSL to Cable.  How do I go about helping her manually configure the WRT54G v5?  She cannot find the setup CD.  Support tells me that this model is no longer under warranty and eligible for chat support.  Support also said the setup CD is not compatible with Windows 7; however, the Window 7 compatibility page says "This product installs automatically without extra software."   Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I guess there will be two steps: getting the wireless router to work on her new desktop and then how to allow a laptop to connect wirelessly.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, John

Answer 1

Welcome to the linksys forum, please follow the instructions below.
1. Make sure that the Cable Modem is connected to the router and computer:
    * Cable Modem >> Linksys Router >> Computer
Step 1
 Cable that comes into the home will get connected to the Cable Modem
Step 2
 Connect an Ethernet cable to the back of the cable Modem
Step 3
 Take the Ethernet cable from the Cable Modem and connect it to the "Internet Port" on back of the Linksys Router.
Step 4
 Connect another Ethernet cable to Port #1 on back of the Linksys Router.
Step 5
 Now connect the Ethernet Cable from Port #1 to the Ethernet port on back of your computer.
The Physical setup is now complete.
Being that you used the Linksys Router before with the DSL setup, you will need to "Reset" the Linksys Router. Locate the "Reset Button" on back of the Linksys Router and push it in for 30 seconds, this will set the router back to the factory settings. You will need a pen or paper clip to press down on the Reset Button.
Note: This factory reset will erase all previous settings.
Linksys Setup Page:
To access the Setup page, follow the steps below:
1. Open Internet Explorer and type 192.168.1.1 into the Address Bar at the top of Internet Explorer and press the Enter Key.
2. Once you type in 192.168.1.1 and press the enter key you will get a Linksys pop-up sign-in box.
3. Here are the default sign-in choices:
    A) UserName = Leave this field blank (do not type in anything)
    B) Password = admin
OR
    A) UserName = admin
    B) Password = admin
You should now be at the Linksys Setup Page (Basic Setup)
Below are the settings for the Cable setup.
Internet Connection Type = Automatic Configuration-DHCP is selected.
MTU = AUTO
Router IP = 192.168.1.1
Subnet Mask = 255.255.255.0
Note : Make sure that you now scroll to the bottom or the page and click on "Save settings".
4. Now click on the Mac Address Clone sub tab and:
     A) Choose the Enable setting
     B) Now click on "Clone your PC's MAC Address"
     C) Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "Save Settings"
Close out of this page and try to connect to the Internet.
Wireless setup: (Access the setup page again by typing 192.168.1.1 into IE and type in the password "admin", Unless you have changed it).
Part 1
1.Click on the Wireless Tab and you will be at "Basic Wireless Settings. Please make sure that you have these 4 settings set-up.
A) Wireless Network Mode: Set this to the mode that your network is using = G, N, or Mixed
B) Wireless Network Name (SSID): Please choose a Name other than Linksys (which is the default), this will allow you to identify your network from your neighbors network.
C) Wireless Channel: Channel's 1, 6, and 11 are best but you can try others to see what works best for you.
D) Wireless SSID Broadcast: Please set this to Enable.
Now go to the bottom of the Linksys Setup Page and click on Save Settings.
Part 2
1. Now click on the sub-tab Wireless Security, here there will be 4 settings to setup as well.
A) Security Mode: WPA Personal = TKIP+AES
                  WPA2 Personal = AES
B) WPA Algorithms: If you choose WPA then choose TKIP+AES
                   If you choose WPA2 then choose AES
C) WPA Shared Key: Choose at least a combination of 8 or more letters/numbers.
D) Group Key Renewal: this will remain at 3600
Now go to the bottom of the Linksys Setup  Page and click on Save Settings.
Once the above settings have been set and saved you can close out of the linksys setup page and perform a Power-Cycle:
Power Cycling: (Only if you are having a problem connecting to the Internet)
    Step 1:
    Shutdown the computer.
    Step 2:
    Unplug the router’s power cable.
    Step 3:
    Unplug the ISP modem’s power cable and wait for 30 seconds.
    Step 4:
    Plug in the ISP modem’s power cable and wait for its lights to appear stable.
    Step 5:
    Plug in the router's power cable once the modem’s lights appear stable.
    Step 6:
    Power on the computer and test the wireless Internet connection.
Have a good day and hope all goes well.