Router problem

Bounty · Post by **Bounty** » 2006-03-08 01:41pm

I'm trying to fix a problem on a home network for two computers running XP Pro connected via wireless to an ADSL router. One of the PC's works fine, the other has what appears to be a DNS problem; the wireless connection is fine, and looking up sites via their IP works, but URLs fail to load ("could not find server"). The odd thing is that it doesn't always happen - sometimes URL's load normally for a few hours before the error happens again. Rebooting the PC or dis/reconnecting to the router usually fixes it too. HijackThis, AVG and Ad-Aware can't find anything out of the ordinary. No major changes were made to this PC that could've caused the problem (ie, no software installs or config changes).

I'm guessing the PC isn't getting a proper DNS server address from the router, but then the other PC would suffer the same problem, no ?

Any help ?

Luke Starkiller · Post by **Luke Starkiller** » 2006-03-08 02:05pm

If you can browse by IP but not domain try turning off your firewall.

Especially since a reboot or powercycle resolves the Issue; if you are running ZoneAlarm set the Internet Zone Security to Medium.

Bounty · Post by **Bounty** » 2006-03-08 02:07pm

Luke Starkiller wrote:If you can browse by IP but not domain try turning off your firewall.

Especially since a reboot or powercycle resolves the Issue; if you are running ZoneAlarm set the Internet Zone Security to Medium.

Already tried that, no effect

I've also tried turning off the router's firewall.

Luke Starkiller · Post by **Luke Starkiller** » 2006-03-08 02:20pm

try bypassing the router, if you have the same problem with the PC is direct connected to your modem then the router is not the problem, if the problem goes away it's a router issue.

Netko · Post by **Netko** » 2006-03-08 02:23pm

Try setting the DNS addresses manualy in your router. They should be available from your ISP's website.

Is this occuring always or only when your upload is being maxed out?

It is possible that your ISP simply has shitty servers. Had similar issues for a few months do to that.

Bounty · Post by **Bounty** » 2006-03-08 02:27pm

Try setting the DNS addresses manualy in your router. They should be available from your ISP's website.

Found them, added them, and so far it seems to be working.

Is this occuring always or only when your upload is being maxed out?

Always. Uploads on this network are nearly nil.

Netko · Post by **Netko** » 2006-03-08 04:53pm

Glad it helped. Dunno about your previous experiences with them, but if it continues to be a problem, contact your ISP's/ADSL line provider's tech support since stuff like this are their bread and butter. Plus they are able to run line quality tests and other diagnostics that simply aren't available to you.

Vertigo1 · Post by **Vertigo1** » 2006-03-10 01:54am

Ok, is this a modem/router combo you're using, or a seperate DSL "modem" and a seperate router? If they're seperate, make sure you have your router set on a seperate octet from the "modem". (ie: modem = 192.168.1.1 internally, router = 192.168.2.1 internally, setup as a bridge, with your clients being 192.168.2.2 and so forth) Having the router and clients on the same octet can cause plenty of headaches. Trust me, I know.

I realize this may or may not solve your problem. I'm just throwing this out in the event that it might do some good.

Also, try using Verizon's public DNS servers if you start having issues. (199.45.32.40 and 199.45.32.41) I use those instead of my ISP's shitty slow ones because Verizon's are VERY fast and QUITE reliable.