Internet down, now wireless lost

dixie_dean_2

There was a problem, not sure what, with my internet. Wasn't working, although I was connected to my router. In trying various things to fix it I seem to have made it worse! I tried resetting/rebooting the router but now I seem to have some security mismatch. My router is normally security protected, I thought with WEP but from looking at an old thread I think it may have been wpa-psk/tkip. When I try to connect it says it is an unsecure network and my computer is configured to connect to it as a secure connection. Can I access the router without internet connection? I can't seem to find the right IP anyway but if I could? With my basic knowledge I'm thinking I need to go into the router and either take the security off or put it on! Alternatively, can I change the computer to access the router as an unsecured connection and then once I've done that ut the security back on?

Took 3 hours last night trying to fix this. At work now with internet connection and will log back in on lunch.

Thanks in advance.

david39

If the worst comes to the worst you could reset the router to its initial factory settings and then reconnect to it from scratch.

If you google your router, there will be instructions on how to do the reset.

dixie_dean_2

I could try that. Maybe print the instructions off at work and then do it at home. I wont have the internet at home - couldn';t find the cable last night to try non-wi-fi.

Do you think that is likely to work though as part of the problem seems to be my computer thinking there should be security set up and there isn't?

dixie_dean_2

Hmm, seems safecom no longer exist. struggling to find instructions to reset the router. Swart something or other it is.

System

Try asking on www.routertech.com. The guys there are the old diehards from the safecom forums and know their stuff when it comes to the Safecom kit.

robmar0se

Sounds like you have 2 probs; (i) no internet, and now (ii) no wireless.

I would first find yr ethernet cable as this will get around the wireless problem - worst come to the worst they are a £1 in the poundshop.

Then connect into yr router ( get the IP address by using ipconfig in the command prompt); ususally the access name and password are "admin", & "password" (or even "admin").

If as you say in yr initial post you have reset the router, you will need to reconfigure the router giving yr ISP username/password etc. Haven't seen Safecom for a few years, but most routers have an advanced diagnostics screen option, that advises if the adsl line is active, and secondly if connected (ie username/password accepted).

Otherwise to determine whether it is a line or router problem you do need access to another router to start a process of elimination. However ask your ISP to run line checks, not definitive but you never know.

macman

And do not use WEP wireless encryption, it is crackable in seconds and obsolete. Use one of the WPA variants.

dixie_dean_2

Having big problems here. Tried ipconfig but came up with something like connection lost...cant remember. that was at home on to ISP, now back into work as he said he couldn't help and I would need the safecom manual to get the ip (he said he didnt know anything about safecom)

also, is the ethernet cable a standard thing? same for all routers/computers?

and also again...if anyone can help me and get this sorted I'm happy to send them £20. I know a lot of people are happy to help on here for free but I really need this fixing asap as my business depends on it and I'm not good at all with computers!

Cheers for all the help so far

robmar0se

Ethernet cables are standard (the exception is x-over cables which you don't need) - ipconfig won't work unless you are are connected via cable or wireless.

A local firm should sort this out for you for £20 - or at least identify the problem; likely to be the router or the line.

dixie_dean_2

I asked the local shop and they said call the isp who were no help. might try and get an athernet cable. cheers. off home now.

Figment

Back to your original questions:

Yes it is possible to access the router without an internet connection. Basically there's one connection between computer and router (the LAN - this is your wireless connection) and another connection between the router and the internet (the WAN). If either connection is not working, you will not be able to access the internet. If the WAN connection is down but the LAN connection is working, you can access the router but not the internet.

If you reset the router (i.e. back to factory settings) then you would have erased all settings that may have been previously entered. If you only rebooted it (power off / power on) then the settings should have been preserved.

If the only thing you've changed is the wireless security, your laptop should (may) warn you that it's an insecure connection, but you should be able to over-ride this and connect anyway (NOT ideal long-term, but fine whilst the problem is sorted). However, as has been mentioned before, temporarily connecting with an ethernet cable is a much better way to resolve any problems.

Who is your internet service provider?

Is it ADSL (router connected to a telephone point via a microfilter) or cable (router connected to a thick coax lead)?

What is the make and model number of the router?

What LEDs are there on the front of the router, and what is each of them doing (on/flashing/flickering/off) ?

To go forward and get this resolved quickly, buy (no more than a couple of quid from a Local computer shop. More expensive at the big name stores) or borrow an ethernet cable, which will allow access to the router.

Provide the answers to these questions and I'll try to help you further.