WRT54G V4 issues

[midwestguy]

My wireless works.   But the connection name we have always seen is not being found.  When I search available networks it doesn’t find it anymore.  It just says Linksys.  I’ve unplugged it, used a pin to restart it from the back.  We also do not have security on it.
I'm out of warranty, because I contacted Linksys.  My router is old, should I buy a new one?  Is there new technology that dictates doing so?
I have a Toshiba laptop that uses Vista.  Also, my Blackberry can’t find our old connection either, it also just found Linksys
I’m fairly new at this, so if I’ve forgotten something, I greatly apologize
Please help me….
Thanks

[sagebrush]

Do you by chance have the wireless ssid broadcast  disabled

I have one of these and it isn't the best of the best. I finally set it to wireless MAC fikters and only allowed my 2 wireless units to connect

[midwestguy]

1) how do I change that setting?
2) how did that setting change from when it did work ok?
3) if not this one, is there a better one?

[soybean]

Are you absolutely sure the "Linksys" connection you're seeing is your router and not one the belongs to someone else who lives nearby?  If this seems a possibility, you could verify it by turning off your router and then try connecting.

[midwestguy]

Interesting thought.  But no, once unplugged my internet goes down with it.  I just don't know what happened to my other connection.  And why is it a new connection with no encryption?  Maybe I should just ignore.  What is the right way to encrypt, while saving the long password, to have for the future?

[soybean]

A reference: How To Protect a Linksys WRT54G Router Using WAP and WEP

[sagebrush]

1) how do I change that setting?
2) how did that setting change from when it did work ok?
3) if not this one, is there a better one?

Log into your router, wireless, basic settings. When you done the reset it went back to factory, so the router will also need renamed under setup

[midwestguy]

Thank you very much for all of your help....I'm back on line now!
Last question though, my linksys is old.   Is a new one with newer technology going to make a difference?

[soybean]

No, the WRT54G is capable of WPA, which is very secure. So, keep using the WRT54G until it fails, and then replace it.

[sagebrush]

Thank you very much for all of your help....I'm back on line now!
Last question though, my linksys is old.   Is a new one with newer technology going to make a difference?

Nah, its fine as is. To me they're are just a little squirrely to keep set at times. Mine has be great for the last 4 months this time. Keep it