Yesterday I was trying to open a port for a game on my linksys router.
Mozilla, Chrome, IE. All failed and gave an error message when trying to connect to 192.168.1.1.
I ignored it for a while, but a while later I tried again and after failing for a couple tries it randomly let me access it. It was SUPER slow and the port page was messed up. The boxes weren't lined up, some were invisible and the words were in the wrong spots.
I managed to open the port needed, but now I need to open a port for my brother's computer. He couldn't access the router on his machine either, so I told him I would do it from my computer.
Can't access the router again.
I've tried resetting the router to factory defaults, I've tried unplugging it. I've done a ping and a trace route on both machines and both are fine. And I was somehow able to access it once (but slightly buggy) yesterday for no apparent reason.
Answer away.
EDIT: I tried to access it on a wireless laptop as well, still get the same error.
Give the model number of the router. Maybe the firmware is corrupt and you might be able to update it the next time you do get access. It just sounds like the device itself is going bad; next time you get in, make a note of all your port openings. You'll probably be setting them back up on a new device soon (you've probably already done this since you mentioned resetting it to factory defaults).
Ok a WRT54G. Make absolutely sure that is the whole model number (there were several different variants of the wrt54g (wrt54g2, wrt54g-stuff, wrt54gc, wrt54gx, wrt54gx2 etc)) by checking the sticker on the bottom of the device.
When checking that sticker on the bottom is should also have a version number. It'll be right next to the WRT54G if it has a version#. The wrt54g versions are: 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 2.2, 3.0, 3.1, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2. Don't ask about the 7.0, they don't want to talk about that one. If you select the version on this page, it shoudl give you a download link for that versions firmware. It shoudl be a .bin file On most the Linksys, there's a 'Firmware Upgrade' link under the 'Administration' section that lets you pick a path to the firmware file on your local computer.
In your shoes, I wouldn't try the firmware upgrade until you are ready to go to the store to buy a replacement system. You've got a malfunctioning device and this may not work and may even brick the device permanently. You've at least got it working somewhat right now even though you can't open ports.
On most the Linksys, there's a 'Firmware Upgrade' link under the 'Administration' section that lets you pick a path to the firmware file on your local computer.
Awesome, I can't access my router, I have tried all day and it won't allow me.
So now the question is what do I do with a working brick?
(Also I downloaded the version 5 firmware if I need it still)
Use whatever features in it that still work until you can buy a replacement router?
If you do manage to get into the thing, you can try using the firmware update, but if it locks you out after you start it, it might make the router completely unusable, instead of just being unable to play whatever game needs that opened port.
