Trouble setting up my WRT54GS

Question

I've been having lots of problems setting up my Wireless Router Model #  WRT54GS. First of all I followed the steps here:
 http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linksys.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3686
I got to  the part where I was told to Access the Web-Based Setup Page here:
 http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linksys.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3676
I attempted to enter the router's IP address using the default "192.168.1.1" but I had no luck; only a Page not found message.  Afterwards I attempted to reset the router by holding the Reset button for 30 seconds (  I actually tried holding it longer on a 2nd attempt cause I noticed no changes in the behavior of the lights). After repeated attempts at resetting it to the default, I could still not access the Web Base Setup Page using the default address. I then attempted to check the router's IP address using the following instructions:
 http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linksys.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3997
I completed the step of Checking if the Computer is Set to DHCP exactly as I was instructed but I could not complete the step "Checking the Router's IP Address." After typing "ipconfig/all" and pushing enter in the MS DOS prompt, I discovered I did not have a Default Gateway address. So I then followed the instructions here:
http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linksys.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=4736
After running the "ipconfig/release" and then running "ipconfig/renew" I received an Error Message that said "An error occured while renewing interface Local Area Connection : unable to contact your DHCP server. Request has timed out.
I want to reiterate that I checked, double and then triple checked to make sure that I followed the steps in the Checking if the Computer is Set Up to DHCP section correctly. All the right boxes are checked. There was no where else to go with the help from there so I came to the forums.  Please help. I would really like to get my wireless connection working in my home. 
Thank you,
 CWood834 

Answer 1

Your WRT54GS should work with your SB5101 modem when the WRT54GS is reset to factory defaults, however, in some cases, you might also need to "clone" the MAC address of your computer into your WRT54GS.  (Note:  If you clone the MAC address of your computer, be sure to use the same computer that provides a working Internet connection when wired directly to the SB5101.)
To fix your system, please do the following:
First, 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, then power down your entire network.  Leave your computer wired to the WRT54GS.   Next, using an ethernet cable, connect the ethernet port of your SB5101 to the Internet port of the WRT54GS.  Do not connect anything to the USB port of the SB5101.  Power up your 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.  Try to get on the Internet.  If this does not work, temporarily turn off your computer software firewall, and try again.  If you still have trouble, power down your entire network again.  Temporarily disconnect the SB5101 from the WRT54GS.  Login to the WRT54GS and clone the MAC address of your computer into the router.  Exit your browser and power down your entire network.  Reconnect the SB5101 to the WRT54GS.  Power up your network and try again to connect to the Internet.  It should work.
If you cannot get "Reply from ..." in step 9 above, your router is likely dead. Report back with this problem
If you get a reply in step 9, but cannot complete step 10, then either your router is dead or the firmware is corrupt. Report back with this problem.
If you need additional help, please state 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 07-25-2009 01:56 AM