Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

[Newc]

Ok, so I just got in from work and I'm trying to get online, but recently, the wireless stuff we've got for the cable 'net is acting like Dialup used to - one person connects, the other gets the boot and can't get back on.
Today while trying to get it figured out, I pull up my Available Wireless Networks list and instead of seeing just the one in-home network we've had for over two years, I see something called Blitzz, and it's assigned to connect automatically. It's an open network with no password required (mine is passworded/authenticated).
I looked it up online (using the old dialup connection) and see that it's yet another Mini-Me hardware brand that deals primarily out of WalMart.
Now, all my wireless stuff is Linksys, which I bought from WalMart, and this is the first time this sort of thing has happened. I thought at first that maybe my neighbors are going wireless, and we've got crossed signals, but the neighbors are some distance away - it's 985 feet from the door to the road, and at least that far to the nearest house, so unless someone's been hot-rodding their wireless router, there's no logical reason for their network to pop up in my list.

What's really bugging me is that I can't get into my router via the http interface to see if there's a setting I need to reset to allow more than one network user on at a time 9had to reset everything a while back - our ISP has been having pipeline trouble from their supplier in Arizona, and I thought it was simply time to reset the router and modem. We called and got the skinny.

Anyway, should any of this be happening? I should certainly think not.

[Guest]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

You should always be able to access the admin interface locally of the router, I'd start there...

Pat

[Flametop]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

My neighbors are a good distance away too and I'm having the same problem. I've had to string a nasty wire(yuk)to my main pc to be able to chat and on-line game. I can dis-connect my modem and router, and still get online through someones wireless.. [img]/images/graemlins/brow.gif[/img] I've got the encryption on and have tried changing channels also. BTW, I have all Linksys also. [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[Shawn Lutz]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

as Pat said you should always have http access to the router. First thing I'd try to do is power cycle the router. If that doesn't work, power down all machines on the network, reset the router using the hidden reset switch, make sure you have you router settings because it re-sets it to a virgin device. Reconfigure the router and then power up the rest of the machines. All of this really is moot if you can't access the router to configure it.

what OS are you using? XP has a networking repair app that will attempt to "repair" your network although I never used it so I don't remember what its called [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I can scan for networks and I find 5-6 of them as I'm in a subdivision. If you use a wireless hub/router...use encryption and a firewall.

[Newc]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

Thanks guys - finally got it figured out (accidentally, of course). My dad could get around on his comp just fine - no problems.
Anyway, I plugged directly into the cable modem and it was just fine, so I was going to do a full reset on the router, and had unplugged it. Before I hit the Reset button, I decided to check something else in my laptop (that I had checked a dozen times before) and plugged the router back in without resetting it.
Once it showed that it was routing normally, I clicked my Ebay link and it ran just fine [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]
Then checked my desktop and it was running just fine as well - I didn't have to reset the router, just unplug and replug after about 5 seconds.

I've definitely got encryption on my router, but the firewall wouldn't let me connect one pc to another or the laptops to the printers.

[GWARGHOUL]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

The "repair" function is exactly the same as releasing and renweing the ip address.

You cannot acces your intranet (router is a intranet access point on a home network), when you aren't connected to you own network properly. THus explaining you not being able to go into your router firmware.

You are indeed picking up a weak intermittent signal from another wifif network. No hotrodding is needed for a good router to broadcast 1000 feet.

What I would do, is turn off the Windows zero configuration...and manually configure which network youre connecting too. Then, do a COMPLETE power cycle.

Heres how to turn off Zero COnfiguration (override the windows handling of wireless network connections)

You do this by switching on "Auto Reconfigure", from Control Panel, or by running the command "net stop wzcsvc".
I reccomend the command prompt route..always.

To do a complete power cycle, you turn every computer connected via any means to the network. You unplug the power to the router, switch, hub, etc..AND the modem.

Now, the sequence of powering up is crucical...believe it or not. Wait 2 minutes (to eliminate any variables in equipment reset time), plug the MODEM in. Wait for it to get block synch (wait about 30 seconds to ensure its fully connected), then the router. Again, wait 30 seconds.
Then power on any devices, in 30 second intravals.

Let me know if I can be of anymore help.

[Newc]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

I did try the "Repair" button on the Wireless Network box, but it didn't do anything - kept giving me Little Or No Connectvity errors.

I've had to do power cycles on the modem before, especially after a heavy rain, so I know how to do that. I had done one about a week ago after a storm, but that was when my ISP was having their supply problem. It helped a little, but then this morning's episode popped up.

Thanks for all the help - it's definitely appreciated and I'll print myself out a few copies [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[hippietim]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

[ QUOTE ]
The "repair" function is exactly the same as releasing and renweing the ip address.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not true. The repair function does a LOT more. Mostly if flushes all the routing and DNS caches plus it does an IP renew.

Newc, if you are running Windows XP Service Pack 1 then the repair option will also reset the wireless authentication stuff.

[Newc]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

I've got SP2.

[GWARGHOUL]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

[ QUOTE ]
The "repair" function is exactly the same as releasing and renweing the ip address.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not true. The repair function does a LOT more. Mostly if flushes all the routing and DNS caches plus it does an IP renew.

[/ QUOTE ]

Isn't all of that accomplished in the release/all function?
If it is, then like I said....same as release all/renewe all.

[hippietim]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

It's not all accomplished in renew/release.

The "all" means all connections - as in your ethernet connection, wireless connection, etc. - not DNS, NETBIOS, etc.

Here is a good description of what goes on:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;289256

[GWARGHOUL]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

Cool man thanks.
I guess you and I have the tech department covered around here eh?

I like your tie dye soloist, btw.

Ya damn hippie...

[hippietim]

Re: Computer Techs - this is damn bizarre

[ QUOTE ]
Cool man thanks.
I guess you and I have the tech department covered around here eh?

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a little experience that comes in handy from time to time.

[ QUOTE ]
I like your tie dye soloist, btw.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks - me too [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]