WRT54GS sudden loss of wired recognition to 1 cpu

[HelenBN]

set up:
WRT54GS - G router
SURFBoard SB3100
XP home wired CPU
serveral wireless connections with WEP security, index key assignment, MAC list authorization
all ZoneAlarm free
IP configuration working correctly

Everything works fine for over a year.
Electrical power loss home wide for a minute or less.
Boot up Modem
Boot up Router
Wireless connections re-established
CPU doesn't think cable is connected
Router doesn't light up port showing connection

changed cables - not working
changed ports - not working
remove router and connect to modem - working
replace WRT54GS with old BEFW11S4 v. 2 (B router)- working
connect/wired different CPU through WRT54GS - working
replaced WRT54GS with brand new one same model - not working
updated driver for ethernet card - not working
turn off ZoneAlarm - not working

could ethernet card functionality be spotty and need replacing? would this ONLY show up on G router?

 

[HelenBN]

Forgot a few chapters and some are out of place:

changed cables - not working
changed ports - not working
remove router and connect to modem - working
restored cpu to day prior to event - not working
turn off ZoneAlarm - not working
(turn ZoneAlarm back on)
replace WRT54GS with old BEFW11S4 v. 2 (B router)- working
reset WRT54GS to defaults through reset button - not working
replaced WRT54GS with brand new one same model - not working
connect/wired different CPU through brand new WRT54GS - working
connect/wired different CPU through original WRT54GS - working
(rebox brand new model to return to store)
(reprogrammed original WRT54GS through second cpu)
updated driver for ethernet card - not working
reconnect original cpu to modem - working

 

[jsteph]

Try a new power adaptor--I've had these go weak--where they work, but sporadically, and a new power adaptor fixes things perfectly.

However, since now these routers can be had for 29.99, I'd just go pick up a new one.
--Jim

 

[HelenBN]

Hi jsteph. I was staring to think no one used this forum any more.

Actually it is a $90 job with a $30 mail in rebate, and I did that half was down. see:

*replaced WRT54GS with brand new one same model - not working*

Same problem.

I have been procrastinating but I will next try moving my NIC to a different port/slot. If that doesn't help, I will install a new NIC in the original slot; then in a new slot.

 

[HelenBN]

I am going to duplicate post in the hardware section. I know this is a big faux pas but no one seems to use this one much and it may not be a Linksys issue.

 

[jsteph]

The problem does seem bizarre. The linksys is proven to work (because it works with another cpu), the cpu/ethernet card work (because they work direct to the modem).

Is there *any* connectivity at all via the lan (not necessarily internet)? ie, can you log into the router?

Have you tried the ethernet settings, ie, 10, 100, full duplex, auto, etc? Maybe this unit only works when hard-set to 100mbps, while the belkin doesn't care. My next step would be to either totally replace the ethernet card (and those truly are cheap--they give them away in boxes of Cracker Jack), and give that a whirl.

I have adopted a general philosophy about these types of issues: While I do have a natrual drive to find 'the real problem', even if only for academic reasons, when it starts to take away so much time I will figure it cost's less to replace a $4.99 ethernet card or a $29.99 router (which I know you've already done)--than to spend more hours chasing down something that may be so obscure and 1 in a million that even knowing the problem may never help you or anyone else again in the future.

If replacing the eth card still doesn't work, I'd reinstall Windows. Your data is generally safe if you do this--can choose the "install over previous version", and don't do a Format. Remember though to or backup your user(s) My Documents folders--that and the Windows folders are the only ones that get overwritten--all of your other data stays, however your installed programs need to be reinstalled because a fresh registry is installed.
--Jim

 

[HelenBN]

No connectivity at all. I cannot log on to the router. I needed to use the other cpu to reprogram once I reset it.

Yes, I tried the ethernet settings changes. No go.

To me finding the 'real' problem would be what leads to replacing that NIC. But rebuilding this OS is not an option as it is an old dog not worth the effort. Plus, this is the magical year slated for a new one... *sigh* I can almost smell the packaging now....