Cannot access router

[quaxo]

I'm having a weird problem with my router (Netgear DG834G). Whenever I try to access it (192.168.0.1 like most routers) to change the settings, I get:

Network Error

A communication error occurred: "Operation timed out"
The Web Server may be down, too busy, or experiencing other problems preventing it from responding to requests. You may wish to try again at a later time.

I didn't have this problem before, and I've made no significant changes, other than installing Firefox. But both Firefox and IE are doing this. I can access it fine from my laptop, but my PC just keeps giving me this message. However, the PC has no problem accessing the network or internet through the router.

[Broni]

Did you try to reset router?
Do your laptop, and desktop use same type of firewall?

[quaxo]

Yes to both questions.

[Broni]

Try couple of command from Command Prompt:
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew

[dahlarbear]

1.  Netgear web site indicates "DG834G" is "54 Mbps Wireless ADSL Modem Router".

2.  Firewall.  For test purposes, disable or turn-off firewall.

3.  Using Firefox browser, now try to access "http://192.168.0.1".  If that doesn't work you might try "https://192.168.0.1", but I doubt you have it configured that way.

4.  DG834G Reference Manual, September 2005.  To access, use the following link for "dg834_g_b_manual_v2.pdf" on the Netgear website:

http://kbserver.netgear.com/pdf/dg834_g_b_manual_v2.pdf#xml=http://kbserver.netgear.com/inquira/default.asp?ui_mode=answer&prior_transaction_id=728918&action_code=6&highlight_info=352321584,5,9&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fkbserver.netgear.com%2Fpdf%2Fdg834_g_b_manual_v2.pdf&answer_id=32537734

From Chapter 9, subsection "Troubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface", page 9-3, see the following quote:

Make sure your browser has Java, JavaScript, or ActiveX enabled. If you are using Internet Explorer, click Refresh to be sure the Java applet is loaded.

5.  Firefox 2.0.0.9.  Recommend using Firefox because it's easier to find the configuration parameters.

    a.  From Firefox "Main Menu", left click "Tools" pull-down menu
    b.  Left click "Options" item
    c.  Left click "Content" icon at top of "Options" windows
    d.  For test purposes ensure both of the following are checked:  "Enable JavaScript" and "Enable Java"
    e.  Not sure if necessary, but shutdown Firefox and restart to ensure your changes are applied.

6.  Using Firefox browser, now try to access "http://192.168.0.1".  If that doesn't work try "https://192.168.0.1".

[quaxo]

Try couple of command from Command Prompt:
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew

No luck.

[quaxo]

1.  Netgear web site indicates "DG834G" is "54 Mbps Wireless ADSL Modem Router".

2.  Firewall.  For test purposes, disable or turn-off firewall.

3.  Using Firefox browser, now try to access "http://192.168.0.1".  If that doesn't work you might try "https://192.168.0.1", but I doubt you have it configured that way.

4.  DG834G Reference Manual, September 2005.  To access, use the following link for "dg834_g_b_manual_v2.pdf" on the Netgear website:

http://kbserver.netgear.com/pdf/dg834_g_b_manual_v2.pdf#xml=http://kbserver.netgear.com/inquira/default.asp?ui_mode=answer&prior_transaction_id=728918&action_code=6&highlight_info=352321584,5,9&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fkbserver.netgear.com%2Fpdf%2Fdg834_g_b_manual_v2.pdf&answer_id=32537734

From Chapter 9, subsection "Troubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface", page 9-3, see the following quote:

Make sure your browser has Java, JavaScript, or ActiveX enabled. If you are using Internet Explorer, click Refresh to be sure the Java applet is loaded.

5.  Firefox 2.0.0.9.  Recommend using Firefox because it's easier to find the configuration parameters.

    a.  From Firefox "Main Menu", left click "Tools" pull-down menu
    b.  Left click "Options" item
    c.  Left click "Content" icon at top of "Options" windows
    d.  For test purposes ensure both of the following are checked:  "Enable JavaScript" and "Enable Java"
    e.  Not sure if necessary, but shutdown Firefox and restart to ensure your changes are applied.

6.  Using Firefox browser, now try to access "http://192.168.0.1".  If that doesn't work try "https://192.168.0.1".

Still no difference. JavaScript and Java were already enabled, https:// made no difference, firewall or no firewall.

[dahlarbear]

1.  You should move to a "comand" window and test using the "basic" troubleshooting tools:  ipconfig, ping, arp.  Better to test without firewall to remove that as an issue.

2.  From the troublesome desktop, enter the following command and record the results:

    >ipconfig /all |more

Do you have just one ethernet adapter listed?

For the ethernet adapter corresponding to your network card, what do you have for the following?

    DHCP_Enabled:
    IP_Address:
    Subnet_Mask:

3.  From your desktop, attempt to "ping" the following TCP/IP addresses and record your results:

    ping 127.0.0.1
    ping <ip_address_of_desktop_computer>
    ping 192.168.0.1
   

4.  Within a few seconds after attempting "ping 192.168.0.1" enter the following command and record the results:

    arp -a

If you have an arp entry for 192.168.0.1 check to ensure the corresponding MAC address is that of your Netgear router.

[2k_dummy]

If you have more than one profile setup for your browser, Try accessing the the router using a different profile.

[quaxo]

1.  You should move to a "comand" window and test using the "basic" troubleshooting tools:  ipconfig, ping, arp.  Better to test without firewall to remove that as an issue.

2.  From the troublesome desktop, enter the following command and record the results:

    >ipconfig /all |more

Do you have just one ethernet adapter listed?

Yes.

For the ethernet adapter corresponding to your network card, what do you have for the following?

    DHCP_Enabled: Yes
    IP_Address: 192.168.0.2
    Subnet_Mask: 255.255.255.0

3.  From your desktop, attempt to "ping" the following TCP/IP addresses and record your results:

    ping 127.0.0.1
    ping <ip_address_of_desktop_computer>
    ping 192.168.0.1

127.0.0.1 and my comps IP both came back with identical results: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
192.168.0.1 came back bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=255

As an added bonus, I pinged the desktop and router from the laptop as well, same results.

 
4.  Within a few seconds after attempting "ping 192.168.0.1" enter the following command and record the results:

    arp -a

If you have an arp entry for 192.168.0.1 check to ensure the corresponding MAC address is that of your Netgear router.

Checked and it is correct.

It's the computer I'm using now, so I know it's connected to the router and the net just fine, but for some reason it looks like the router isn't picking up the 192.168.0.1 from the browsers and directing it to the setup utility. Even my HP iPAQ is able to do it. 

[Broni]

Check your "hosts" file. Maybe something is blocked there.
Do you have any problem accessing any other website?
Maybe, there is a problem accessing numeric IPs....Can you access ComputerHope at:
http://204.228.150.3

[quaxo]

Check your "hosts" file. Maybe something is blocked there.
Do you have any problem accessing any other website?
Maybe, there is a problem accessing numeric IPs....Can you access ComputerHope at:
http://204.228.150.3

Absolutely no problems getting to any website at all.

The only entry in hosts is:

127.0.0.1       localhost

And yep, I can access CH through the IP address without a problem.

I am absolutely baffled by this.

[Broni]

I just checked Netgear site, and they suggest little bit different way to reset its router:
#  Unplug the router's power.
# Press and hold the reset button. While the button is held down, reconnect router's power.
# Continue to hold the reset button for 20 seconds after reconnecting the power.
# Wait for the router to reboot.

[quaxo]

Well, that's the weird thing. It only happens with the one computer, not anything else that access the router. I tried both my girlfriend's laptop and my iPAQ. Both worked fine.

So... I'm not sure resetting will fix it. I'll try it, but not at this very moment.

My internet login is stored in the router because it's an ADSL router, so it also controls my internet connection. It's been a long time since I entered in the username and password for my internet account. I'll have to call them tomorrow and see what they are before I reset or I won't be able to get back on 

[Broni]

Just in case:
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/N100651.asp

[quaxo]

I should have mentioned this before and I don't know why I didn't...

There is one difference between the connections of my iPAQ, her laptop, and my PC.

The iPAQ and laptop are wirelessly connected to the router, the PC is wired.

I've already tried changing ports, still didn't help.

[quaxo]

Just in case:
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/N100651.asp

I was aware of that. It's printed on the label on the bottom of the router 

I just need to find out the user name and password from my ISP for my internet account before I reset. I can't do that until morning... another 9 hours or so.

[Broni]

Keep us updated.

[quaxo]

Bah! Still no luck with this. Something just isn't right and I can't figure out what it is. This is so frustrating!

I've tried a reset of the router, no luck there.

I haven't accessed the router in a while or changed anything, as there was no need to. It's been perhaps 1-2 months. It has worked fine so I've had no reason to do anything to it.

Ok, let's look at this again...

Installed since last access to router:
Mozilla Firefox
Pidgin Messenger (http://www.pidgin.im)
Philips SPC 200NC PC Camera

And I can't remember if Microsoft Office 2007 was installed before or after I discovered the problem. I think that came after so it probably has nothing to do with it.

It's only this computer. It connects to the router just fine and can access the internet like normal. what the heck am I missing? 

[Broni]

How about contacting Netgear?

[quaxo]

How about contacting Netgear?

I did that three days ago. Haven't got a response from them yet. Still waiting.

[Broni]

Weekend, maybe?

[quaxo]

Got it!

About a month ago, my ISP had me set a proxy due to connection problems that have since been corrected. The proxy was set on this computer alone and is what was interfering with this computer's ability to access the router's settings. The proxy setting was grabbed by Firefox from IE during installation which is what caused Firefox to react the same way. It has been removed now and access to the router restored.

Thanks for the help!

[Broni]

WOW! That simple, huh? Nice job...