Linksys WRT160N connection issues

[ejones]

I gave the parents a 160N which serves a wired desktop running XP Pro and a Dell Vostro running Vista Business.

The desktop is brand new, replacing an older one that had the same issue (old Dell with XP Home). Essentially, the router often does not connect to websites, unless the laptop is also accessing the internet.

Outside of trying to install the latest firmware on the router or completely disabling any kind of security, encryption, MAC filtering etc... what else can I do?

 

[thiggins]

I'd check the DNS and gateway settings on the problem system vs the system that works (the Dell Vostro)?

When the desktop doesn't connect, does it still have valid IP address info? Can you ping any Internet sites (google, yahoo)?

 

[ejones]

Until I can check tonight, I'm just working from memory.

I'm pretty sure I set them to both use DHCP to get an IP. I've never tried to ping something when it refuses to connect, but most of the time its as simple as hotmail or google and getting the 'cannot connect to server' message.

I'll compare the settings tonight...

 

[ejones]

Both computers have the same settings. Tried pinging out when it was acting up and had no response, even though it still had a valid IP.

Disabled MAC filtering which didn't help anything.

I guess the next step would be to update the firmware?

 

[thiggins]

I'd try a router reset to defaults first. Then firmware upgrade.