Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Hello all,

I just bought the Netgear WPN824 and I am having trouble setting it up to connect to the internet, even with an ethernet cable.
A few details :
- I am using the NTL:250 modem
- I successfully ping the router from my laptop.
- I am able to ping an external site (bbc.co.uk) when connected via the router, which means my internet connection is fine.
- I have tried cloning the MAC address on the modem but this didn't work.
- I power cycled my modem and router a few times and this doesn't work.
- Virgin broadband helpline suggested that I set the DNS address of the modem to a number that they suggested, but this did not help.

What happens is that when I connect the ethernet cable from the modem to the router to the laptop, both the internet and port number on the router are lit up green. However, when I run the Netgear set up wizard (I have tried both the set-up CD and the Netgear site for this), everything was fine (I got the DHCP) but during the 'updating network settings' phase, the internet and port number light either disappears or turn amber. I also lose my network connection and I get 'website cannot be displayed' screen on my browser. The wireless light on the router also starts flashing now, which is of course is of no use as I have lost the internet connection.

When this happens, I can no longer access the router, modem or ping bbc.co.uk.

Any help here would be much appreciated as I have spent 1 weekend and 2 nights trying to sort this out....

Thanks

Hazah

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

:welcome: to Cable Forum :tu:

I'd suggest that you do a reset to factory values on the router then start over. Then you can try the following, as a manual setup (you really shouldn't need disks).

Power everything off (modem, router, computer(s). Plug in the ethernet between modem & router, router and PC (just worry about one PC for now, you can add the rest later). No other ethernet / USB connections out of the modem are allowed. Now power on the modem and alow to settle, then power on the router and let settle, now the computer.

All being well, you should now be able to browse the internet from the PC. If you cannot check the following:
Is your internet explorer set to auto detect connections (tools > options)?
Is your computer's network card set with IP auto detect, and TCP/IP settings auto (no DNS)
Can you browse from the computer to the admin page of your router?

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Hi Rob,

I reset the router back to its factory settings and did a power cycle.
All the lights are fine and I am able to ping both the router and the external (bbc.co.uk) site. I am also able to log in to the ntl modem. All this suggests that the information flow is fine, right?

However, I cannot browse the internet. Everytime I try to access a site, it automatically diverts back to the 'router set-up page'.

Question :
1. How do I check that I am on auto detect connection? Tools -> Internet Optins -> Connections?
2. IP and DNS -> I have checked the TCP/IP of my internet connection and I am on IP auto detect. Is this what you mean?

Thanks.

Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Hello.....

I am still having trouble with my router. I hope someone can still help...

:(

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

are you able to access the bbc site via the IP address?

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Hi Richy,

I am able to ping the site when I connect the router when it is in factory setting mode, but I cannot access it as whenever I type an address in my web browser, it always diverts back to the 'Netgear Router Setup Site'.

Is there a way I can 'force' the internet explorer to allow me to access other sites without going through the set-up wizard? This is when the problem occurs as I lose my internet connection light and ethernet cable light on my router everytime I run the wizard.:confused:

Thanks for contributing!!!

Hazah

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

yes thats right, you have in effect set it up right and it would be fully working except for their rather strange requirement to run through a first time config no matter what you have already done.

after reviewing the PDF
http://kbserver.netgear.com/pdf/wpn824_ref_manual.pdf
it appears the diversion is as expected for the default
'Smart Wizard Configuration'

you can bypass that by going to
http://www.routerlogin.net/basicsetting.htm

------------------
Manually enter a URL to bypass the Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant
-------------------
You can bypass the Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant feature by typing http://www.routerlogin.net/basicsetting.htm in the browser address bar and clicking Enter.

You will not be prompted for a user name or password. This will enable you to manually configure the wireless router even when it is in the factory default state.

When manually configuring the router, you must complete the configuration by clicking Apply when finished entering your settings.

If you do not do so, a browser on any PC connected to the router will automatically display the router's Configuration Assistant Welcome page rather than the browser’s home page.
--------------------------



---------- Post added at 13:44 ---------- Previous post was at 13:20 ----------

also for manually setting the right DNS settings you can put these.

you are better just using auto to begin with though.

assuming the default IP of your router is
192.168.1.1 then that is your first DNS to enter into your windowsXP 'local area network' /internet protocol/propertys/prefered DNS box
and VMs DNS servers are 194.168.4.100 and 194.168.8.100

so if your using manual setting for the PC network card put 194.168.4.100 in the 'alternate DNS setting' box and if you like click advanced and put the other 194.168.8.100 into the list

if you change your routers LAn side IP from the default 192.168.1.1 then whatever you use there (192.168.0.1 for instance)you would change that IP in the first prefered DNS box IP as well.

these assure your LAN side machines will will then be able to resolve
www.whatever into the numeric IPs.

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Thanks Popper,

I have tried http://www.routerlogin.net/basicsetting.htm as well. However, when I click 'apply' (without changing anything - i.e. Dynamic IP and auto DNS), the same problem happens, I lose the Internet and port lights on my modem.

I have not tried setting a fixed DNS though, I'll try this when I get home. Will let you know how I get on.

Thanks!!!

Any other suggestions would be welcomed as well.

Hazah

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

before you click appy later, try setting the routers autoDNS to manual and use the 194.168.4.100 as its primary and the 194.168.8.100 for it secondry then apply.

the Dynamic IP inside the router is required so the VM CM can give your WAN side of the router the right IP for a working web route connection so dont change that option.

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

I tried the setting the DNS address both on the router and my Windows XP local area network. The same thing happens when I click apply - I lose my internet and ethernet port light on my router. This is really strange, because it appears that connection is fine like popper said, and it just loses it when I either run the wizard or click apply on the basic setting netgear page. Arrghhh...:mad:

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Hazah

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

are you using the latest firmware for the router?

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

When you have everything set up, run the network setup wizard in XP before trying your browser. It's in Control Panel.

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Hmm... I did not check this actually. I will try downloading and running the latest patch tonight. Will let you know how I get on.

Hazah

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Sigh..... I uploaded the latest firmware from the website but the same problem occurs.:confused:

---------- Post added at 09:59 ---------- Previous post was at 09:40 ----------

Yesterday I also did the following :
1. Use a different, brand new laptop to connect to the same router and modem in my house (I know it shouldn't make a difference but I was desperate). - This didn't work, as expected.
2. Tried to set-up the router at a mate's, who is on VM as well but uses the motorola surfboard modem. The same problem occurs.

I am beginning to think that my brand new router is faulty. Can anyone give me an idea how I can know for certain? I can then start arranging for a replacement.

I am still hoping I can get a wireless up for the Christmas and New Year period so that the laptop can sit wirelessly in the living room, but that seems unlikely now :(.

(p.s. sorry for the underline above - just wanted to make sure that the question is not lost among all my words).

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

Hazah

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

only way for certain is to try a different router

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

not got a lot of time right now but its starting to bug me ;)

lets go back to basics.

are we sure you can temp remove the router and go back to generic
VM-CM-rj45<===>lan1-hazah-PC
powercycle and get a fully working web connection that can browse the web as expected.?

if so, that tells us that the MAC address of your PC LANcard is registered with VM and being given a webside IP....

right ,most people at this point say clone your PC MAC into the router, but i dont.

and i suspect that autoconfig in the router is trying to clone your PC anyway and messing up so thats why we need to confirm a generic CM to PC rj45 connection works.

right, so we are going to try and temp clone the routers MAC addres into the PCs netcard instead, re-confirm you can still browse as before on a generic CM to PC but with the new mac in the PCnetwork card.

the idea is , if it now works , then we know for sure the new MAC is registered with VM even though the routers not in the chain yet.

if that still works and tou web browse as expected , then all you do is reset the PC mac back to its default, plug the router back in to the chain and as you have just had the mac working , the router should be given the same working IP you just had.

the VM end doesnt know or care that the mac has gone from the PC back to the router , it SHOULD just work.

it all comes down to trying to make sure the router is using a pre registered MAC and so VM wil give you the working IP to go with it....

im hoping after that, you might no be forced back to the routers autoconfig page, as you now have a true working and registered MAC and IP.

messy i know, and you shouldnt really need to do this..., BUT its probably all down to getting the router MAC registered right one single time.

right , heres how you temp put the routers MAC into the PC

take your router and look underneath it for the MAC, something like
say A1:B2:C3:E4 take note of that MAC,
inside windows , open your 'network connections' find the lan card thats pluged directly into the cable modem, open its 'properties', click 'configure' ,'advanced' and 'network address', enter the new MAC No. as
A1B2C3E4 not A1:B2:C3:E4 or A1.B2,C3,E4 and your done

rememeber, this is with a generic
VM-CM<===>PC
and the router temp taken out of the chain and you have just cloned its MAC.

powercycle and check the webbrowsing is working as expected, it works ?,great the VM side has registered the new MAC.

now put the router back in the chain , and remove the PC 'network address' MAC by blanking the No. and it will be as before.

fingers crossed and after another powercyle you should have a router with working MAC and webside IP.

IF it still deverts you to the router page, im going to assume it may force you to run the autoconfig again but this time it should work (i hope....)

right got that , i got to run, laters.........

---------- Post added at 11:07 ---------- Previous post was at 11:03 ----------

got tpo run really but

"Yesterday I also did the following :
1. Use a different, brand new laptop to connect to the same router and modem in my house (I know it shouldn't make a difference but I was desperate). - This didn't work, as expected.
2. Tried to set-up the router at a mate's, who is on VM as well but uses the motorola surfboard modem. The same problem occurs."

right that was my next thought, but 1 means its not your OS messing up so its point to the registered MAC as above.

2 just seems to confirm it for now unless the routers pooped, but it took a new firmware so i asy no for now....

do a cloning as above and report back, LATERS...............

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Thanks for the detailed instructions Popper. Really useful for someone like me who's not IT literate.

I will try to focus and do it tonight once I get back from a Christmas Do :drunk:and report back here.

Fingers Crossed!

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

you can tell it was bugging me ;)

haha, now theres a strange thing, the PDF only says this
"
You can bypass the Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant feature by typing http://www.routerlogin.net/basicsetting.htm in the browser address bar and clicking Enter.

You will not be prompted for a user name or password.

This will enable you to manually configure the wireless router even when it is in the factory default state. When manually configuring the router, you must complete the configuration by clicking Apply when finished entering your settings.

If you do not do so, a browser on any PC connected to the router will automatically display the router's Configuration Assistant Welcome page rather than the browser’s home page. "

BUT,if you go here
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101472.asp
it says
"
Completely Avoiding the SmartWizard
Most router owners prefer the SmartWizard. Not to mention, it's continually being improved to be more useful for special sitautions.
However, there are cases you want to bypass it:

• When it puts you in a loop where you can't reach Basic Settings.
• If you are an advanced user who needs custom settings.
• Your network is not connected to the Internet.

To Avoid the SmartWizard

1. Unplug the router power cord.
2. Turn off the computer.
3. Plug in the router to power.
4. Attach the computer to one of the router's LAN ports.
5. Turn on the computer, but do not open a browser.
6. Go to Start > Run, and type http://www.routerlogin.com/basicsetting.htm. The browser opens and goes straight the the router's Basic Configuration page. (If the Basic Configuration page does not appear, repeat instructions from Step 1.)
7. Important: Click Apply, even if you don't make changes. Otherwise:
   • The wireless features are not enabled.
   • The settings are not saved.

"

it struck me that if I put the http://www.routerlogin.net/basicsetting.htm in my url it took me to the website but if you have the router on your LAN than it must intercept the URL and it now seems like they might have put this DONT OPEN A BROWSER patch in the firmware rom, because people were having all sorts of problems, enter Hazarh and the readers DOH.....

perhaps a web search is in order if you/we cant sort it with this info

it still needs trying to see if it does infact work in a different way and gets you up, but at least you might get somewere now, do the clone first though incase it doesnt try and divert.....

and its better to be sure the router MAC has been registered on the VM kit than guess it worked.

i also forgot to mention, just because you can ping a www address and get a response, doesnt mean its got a real working webside IP, as ping is using the DNS service that works even when your modems not even got a valid web IP but mearly a temp internal 10.* VM IP and the VM DNS IPs filled in.

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

to much partying i take it to reply ;)

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Hi Popper,

Sorry for the late reply. I tried both ways. ie. I have changed the PC's MAC address to the router's MAC address. The internet is fine, which means that VM have registered the router MAC without a problem. When I run the autoconfig though, the same problem happens.

I have also followed the instruction to completely avoid the Netgear setting page. This didn't work either and the same problem occurs. This is really strange as the router is not connected to the modem and therefore the modem or VM cannot reject i, right?

I think my router is faulty and I have decided to cut my losses and return it, and am now awaiting a replacement.

I will let everyone know if I am able to configure the new router.

Thanks for all your help everyone! Especially Pooper who's been really helpful.

This is an excellent forum.

Best Regards,

Hazah

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

H'm interesting stuff as I am about to try to do precisely this 6 pm tonight!!! As this was originally posted some time ago, can I have a quick response as to whether it was fixed and how muchas please? :dozey:;):):angel:

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Popper

I hope when I have a problem <touch wood> you are on hand as that was an exemplary show of patience and thoughtfulness

Well done that man

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

Well hi again folks

Took all of 15 minutes to set up exactly this router and cable modem in Leeds so I guess this thread originated from faulty hardware as (far too) much time was spent on settings.

Netgear products are a cinch to work with.

Thanks to Popper who offered to help but none needed this time ta. ;)

Re: Can't set-up Router (WPN824 on NTL:250) HELP!!!
 

glad to help when the subject interests me, its amazing how many people take the advice given and cant even be bothered to click the rep icon on the left and add a word or two and let people know it helped, or even post back to the thread and say its fixed and what steps they did. :erm: