Anyone Good With Diagnosing Computer Problems?

[billt]

I know only enough to be dangerous. I have high speed cable Internet. Lately, once in a while, (2 to 3 time a week), the Internet won't come up. I have to unplug my cable modem and my wireless router, (for Melanie's laptop in the kitchen), let it sit for a minute or so, then plug it back in, and in another minute or so everything works fine. It's like it has to "reset" or something. My cable modem is mine, not the cable companies. It's Motorola SB-5100. I've had it for about 5 to 6 years now. The wireless router is only about 2 years old.

The thing is I don't even know if it's either one, and or both that is causing the problem. I'm guessing that based on the fact they are both plugged in 24/7. I tried just unplugging the router, that didn't work. Same deal with just the modem. If I do both, then it works fine. I'm running a HP Pavilion with an AMD and Melanie has a Toshiba laptop with Intel. After the holidays we're going to get 2 new desktops, and I'm going to take the laptop and use it strictly for guns, handloading, and firearms related stuff.
If, by then, I can't get this resolved, I'll probably invest in a new modem and router as well. They're not that expensive.  Bill T.

[clm]

Not uncommon, 5 or 6 year old modem is most likely your issue.
Call your cable company and get a new modem from them or ask what make/models of modem work best with their service.
Modems and routers are "disposable," replace them every couple years for best performance.
My cable provider upgraded service last year, faster and better they say, but my modem didn't work with the upgrade and had to be replaced.

[sledgemeister]

Agree with above, modems are not good for more modern systems and can be prone to drop outs etc.
Save yourself the hassle and get a n series modem/router that is supported by your ISP (if your not too crash hot on setting them up etc).

[MikeBjerum]

Ctrl/Alt/Delete ... Reboot everything ... BFH

You now know everything I know about computer problems 

[billt]

Thanks guys. I'll just plan on replacing both the modem and the router when we buy our new computers. That way I know I'm starting fresh with new, up to date stuff.  Bill T.

[Sponsor]

[Pathfinder]

Better idea is to replace the cable modem now - N-modems are getting cheaper every day. Then when you run the new computers, you know any problems are with the new machines, and not the whole setup needing to be debugged.

Also, the modem and router should both have small hioles in the back labelled "Reset". Push a paper clip into the hole, and the modem/router will reset itself. If that fails, unplug for 10 second.

[JSC3ATLCSO]

HEY billt.

I am also only smart enough to be dangerous.  BUT.  I had this very problem with one of the wireless modems that I had set up.  What brand modem is it?  and have you ever checked for a Firmware Update for it? Once I called the Manufacture of the modem that is what they suggested and it took care of the problem.  Now every few times I go to my parents house I check for updates.  Hmm.. speaking of which.. thanks for the reminder

[TAB]

I have a BFH that will make it work right the 1st time...




Or never again

[philw]

firstly  have you tried to isolate  if it is the router or the modem

have you tried re-setting just the router    instead or just the modem


however   I would just be replacing it    easier   / cheaper when you look at the price of it when you consider how much time you would spend mucking around with it.

[billt]

HEY billt.
What brand modem is it?  and have you ever checked for a Firmware Update for it?

It is a Netgear Rangemax Wireless Router WPN824 V2. I didn't pay a lot for it at the time, so I think when Mel and I get our 2 new desktops, we'll just get a new Router as well as a new Modem. These things are getting real cheap, real fast. As Philw said, it isn't worth the time "mucking around" with it.   Bill T.