I have a DLink DIR-601 Router on Shaw. It worked okay for a few months other then the resetting the router every week or so. A week ago, it won't connected on a wired connection. Wireless is fine.

I get a can't find DNS server. I can't even get into the router page.

I tried resetting the router, change numerous settings in the router and even my DNS server and IP address as directed by DLink and nothing has changed.

My old router, a DLink WBR1310, works okay, it needs to be reset every week or so.

After I reinstalled Vista
After resetting the router, I couldn't even get into http://192.168.0.1.

This time, Windows Network icon had the connected to the Local and the Internet but it would go to Local Only and back to the Local and the Internet and back to Local only and so on but neither Local and the Internet and Local Only, I could not go into http://192.168.0.1

I called DLink and the guy that answered was very hard to understand and wasted 1/2 hour doing stuff that I already did and blaming my ISP and firewall even though, the only firewall other then the router. I have is the Windows one. My old router works the same as it did before I got this new router.

I even assigned a Static IP address that DLink gave me.

Windows Vista:
Assign Static IP Address:
---------------------------------------
1 Click on Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing center > Manage Network Connections.
2 Right-click on the Local Area Connection which represents your network card and select Properties.
3 Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) IPv4 and click Properties.
4 Enter your IP information for your network.
IP Address : 192.168.0.7
Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
Prefered DNS : 4.2.2.2
Alternate DNS : 4.2.2.1
5 Click OK. Click Close.


I get the same problem on my laptop and 360.

Any suggestions and also, if needed, I will post more stuff that I did.

Did you reinstall Vista just to fix a DNS problem. Gees that a little overkill don't you think. Did you try another DNS server beside good old 4.2.2.2, like maybe Google DNS 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 or OpenDNS 208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220?

Have you tried a reset of the DLink router... it's possible that the configuration was changed, and it's IP address is not 192.168.0.1 but something else. A reset would set it back to its defaults.

I would do the full reset as well. Use a paper clip to access the rest button. Depending on the router, either press the rest button until the router resets or press the rest button while applying power.

it needs to be reset every week or so.
Two Dlink routers that need to be rest that often?! It's time to switch brands. I have two Lynksys routers running DD-WRT that never need to be reset.

I wanted to do a reinstall of Windows anyways.

I didn't use Google or OpenDNS but I did just now and got the same results. I can't even get into the router page.

I did a full reset of the router numerous times.

I am switching brands today. What Linksys routers do you have and is it easy to set up DD-WRT? I looked at the setup for the DIR-601 and it was too confusing to me.

I have a Linksys/Cisco WRT610. It's one of the better consumer routers for DD-WRT. To make matters even more confusing, Linksys/Cisco has rebranded their entire line and the WRT610 is now called the e3000.

The whole DD-WRT site is somewhat confusing, mainly due to the amount of information. Many routers need to be flashed with an interim firmware and then flashed with the full version to get full functionality. It's a PITA but well worth it once accomplished. Start by finding a good router that is supported. Then go to the installation page for that router and follow the instructions exactly.

From what we have in this post, I could see the following verifications:

Have you tried changing the Ethernet cable (also known as network cable, could be faulty) and have you checked your negotiation settings, they should be set in auto-negotiate (look at the driver manual for your network card, it will be generally in the Advanced network card settings, under Link speed & Duplex).

Finally, I could see an IP address (or MAC address) conflict. The first should be automatically detect by Windows, the second is an physically written address on your network card, and is not easily changed.

From what we have in this post, I could see the following verifications:

Have you tried changing the Ethernet cable (also known as network cable, could be faulty) and have you checked your negotiation settings, they should be set in auto-negotiate (look at the driver manual for your network card, it will be generally in the Advanced network card settings, under Link speed & Duplex).

Finally, I could see an IP address (or MAC address) conflict. The first should be automatically detect by Windows, the second is an physically written address on your network card, and is not easily changed.Yes I tried a different ethernet cable and still get the same problem.

The negotiation setting is set to auto-negotiate.

How do I fix the IP address or MAC address conflict?

The IP address conflict can be fixed using the Windows Network Troubleshooter (which is available normally by doing a right-click on the network icon on the bottom right of your screen and click diagnose problems)... It may fix some other problems related to the network.

The MAC address conflict would be caused if one of the PCs connected on the same network you are would have the same physical address. That shouldn't happen!!

You could also try starting off a Linux LiveCD/DVD which will allow testing if Windows would cause the problem (Linux would connect just fine in that case) or is it the hardware components (network card, router, etc.). Note that a LiveCD won't change your settings and hard drive, however take great care reading what's displayed; LiveCDs have the possibility to do virtually anything if allowed.

I did the Windows Network Troubleshooter and it said about the DNS server can't be found.

I will do the Linux test. I am in the middle of downloading it right now.

That is an expensive router.
I shopped for the best price (found a very good price) and price matched. A few places were selling them cheap just after the new lineup was announced.

A WRT54GL is also a good option and is often on sale. That's what I was using previously. It tends to get bogged down with higher WAN speeds and high simultaneous connection numbers. The WRT610 is better in that regard but could still use some improvement.

Ubuntu got the same error.

Did Linksys rebrand WRT54GL? I can't find it at FS, Staples or The Source.

Update: I got the router that ScaryBob said he uses and so far it is working fine.

Everything that is needs to be connected is connected and working.

Thanks for the help.