Newbie questions @ installing home router

I have just purchased a Gateway MX6440 laptop really as a replacement for my
main desktop pc, which was just repaired. I had thought I could use it
while the main pc was gone... however I didn't realize my cable modem was
fried by lightning too. [I thought the 4 static lights were because the pc
was out... not realizing the modem *activity* light wasn't on at all.]

In any event, I am now ready to install the router, so I can use the laptop
on the internet, and I'm worried about the security, and the installation
process.

What info do I need at hand [i.e. mac, IP addresses, etc.?] Or is it really
as simple as the LinkSys WRT54G box says... insert the CD... and voila!?

Where/how do I check the security settings? I don't want anyone from the
outside to have access. At this time I don't want the 2 pc's networked, I
just want to get the laptop online. Since my desktop will have to share the
router, what should be done first? Switch the cable modem to my router and
plus in my desktop... or laptop? Linksys instructions say run the CD before
plugging in the router. So does that mean that the LinkSys software has to
be installed on my laptop... before the router would pass a connection to my
desktop pc?

I'm sorry I am so dumb about these things. Honestly, it's not because I
haven't read anything about it. I just can't figure out was comes first,
and what works with what. I will appreciate any advice from some kind
souls here.

Barbara

Do what the Linksys instructions tell you. You only have to configure it
once, in fact you probably don't have to do much more than plug it in as the
default settings are probably fine for what you want. In any event, follow
the instructions: you'll plug in the modem, then the router, then connect an
Ethernet cable to a router port, and it will work. Once you've done the
basics for the wireless, you can set up "wep" security, which it will also
explain in the instructions and as you feel comfortable, you can log onto
the router and adjust things. When the router is set for DHCP, which is by
default, it will assign up to 50 computers on the local side, IP addressed
automatically



"chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>I have just purchased a Gateway MX6440 laptop really as a replacement for
>my
> main desktop pc, which was just repaired. I had thought I could use it
> while the main pc was gone... however I didn't realize my cable modem was
> fried by lightning too. [I thought the 4 static lights were because the pc
> was out... not realizing the modem *activity* light wasn't on at all.]
>
> In any event, I am now ready to install the router, so I can use the
> laptop
> on the internet, and I'm worried about the security, and the installation
> process.
>
> What info do I need at hand [i.e. mac, IP addresses, etc.?] Or is it
> really
> as simple as the LinkSys WRT54G box says... insert the CD... and voila!?
>
> Where/how do I check the security settings? I don't want anyone from the
> outside to have access. At this time I don't want the 2 pc's networked, I
> just want to get the laptop online. Since my desktop will have to share
> the
> router, what should be done first? Switch the cable modem to my router
> and
> plus in my desktop... or laptop? Linksys instructions say run the CD
> before
> plugging in the router. So does that mean that the LinkSys software has
> to be installed on my laptop... before the router would pass a connection
> to my desktop pc?
>
> I'm sorry I am so dumb about these things. Honestly, it's not because I
> haven't read anything about it. I just can't figure out was comes first,
> and what works with what. I will appreciate any advice from some kind
> souls here.
>
> Barbara
>

RBM wrote:
> Do what the Linksys instructions tell you. You only have to configure it
> once, in fact you probably don't have to do much more than plug it in as
> the default settings are probably fine for what you want. In any event,
> follow the instructions: you'll plug in the modem, then the router, then
> connect an Ethernet cable to a router port, and it will work. Once you've
> done the basics for the wireless, you can set up "wep" security, which
> it will also explain in the instructions and as you feel comfortable, you
> can log onto the router and adjust things. When the router is set for
> DHCP, which is by default, it will assign up to 50 computers on the local
> side, IP addressed automatically

Thanks for your advice, got everything hooked up.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get past the *repeated* password requests by the
Linksys CD *installation* process. I tried "admin" and any number of new
passwords, which it would not accept. It was in a loop, it would scan my
computer and come back over and over, requesting a password.

What password is it looking for? I don't have one for my computer. Could I
have some Windows XP processes blocked causing this? I'm not comfortable
turning off my firewall, but should I disable my AV? Or is it because I
have a cable modem? I've read in some places about some people on cable
having to "clone" their mac addresses.

Any additional advice, will be greatly appreciated. I've posted on a
Linksys forum too, but haven't gotten any answers. I saw that I wasn't the
only one with this problem, and they didn't get any replies either [a couple
of months ago]. If it matters, it's a Linksys WRT54G, version 6 router.
bj



-----
> "chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
>> I have just purchased a Gateway MX6440 laptop really as a replacement
>> for my main desktop pc, which was just repaired. I had thought I could
>> use it while the main pc was gone... however I didn't realize my cable
>> modem was fried by lightning too.
>>
>> In any event, I am now ready to install the router, so I can use the
>> laptop on the internet, and I'm worried about the security, and the
>> installation process.
>>
>> What info do I need at hand [i.e. mac, IP addresses, etc.?] Or is it
>> really as simple as the LinkSys WRT54G box says... insert the CD...
>> follow instructions, and voila!?
>>
>> Where/how do I check the security settings? I don't want anyone from
>> the outside to have access. At this time I don't want the 2 pc's
>> networked, I just want to get the laptop online. Since my desktop will
>> have to share the router, what should be done first? Switch the cable
>> modem to my router and plus in my desktop... or laptop? Linksys
>> instructions say run the CD before plugging in the router.
>>
>> Barbara

Some of the docs that come with the Linksys casually point out how to log in
to the router. IIRC, it isn't so obvious. I *think* the user name is blank
and the password is admin, but someone with the same model Linksys as you
have might have to confirm that for you.

HTH


"chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:WhMFg.31$(E-Mail Removed)...
> RBM wrote:
>> Do what the Linksys instructions tell you. You only have to configure it
>> once, in fact you probably don't have to do much more than plug it in as
>> the default settings are probably fine for what you want. In any event,
>> follow the instructions: you'll plug in the modem, then the router, then
>> connect an Ethernet cable to a router port, and it will work. Once you've
>> done the basics for the wireless, you can set up "wep" security, which
>> it will also explain in the instructions and as you feel comfortable, you
>> can log onto the router and adjust things. When the router is set for
>> DHCP, which is by default, it will assign up to 50 computers on the local
>> side, IP addressed automatically
>
> Thanks for your advice, got everything hooked up.
>
> Unfortunately, I couldn't get past the *repeated* password requests by the
> Linksys CD *installation* process. I tried "admin" and any number of new
> passwords, which it would not accept. It was in a loop, it would scan my
> computer and come back over and over, requesting a password.
>
> What password is it looking for? I don't have one for my computer. Could
> I have some Windows XP processes blocked causing this? I'm not
> comfortable turning off my firewall, but should I disable my AV? Or is it
> because I have a cable modem? I've read in some places about some people
> on cable having to "clone" their mac addresses.
>
> Any additional advice, will be greatly appreciated. I've posted on a
> Linksys forum too, but haven't gotten any answers. I saw that I wasn't
> the only one with this problem, and they didn't get any replies either [a
> couple of months ago]. If it matters, it's a Linksys WRT54G, version 6
> router.
> bj
>
>
>
> -----
>> "chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
>>> I have just purchased a Gateway MX6440 laptop really as a replacement
>>> for my main desktop pc, which was just repaired. I had thought I could
>>> use it while the main pc was gone... however I didn't realize my cable
>>> modem was fried by lightning too.
>>>
>>> In any event, I am now ready to install the router, so I can use the
>>> laptop on the internet, and I'm worried about the security, and the
>>> installation process.
>>>
>>> What info do I need at hand [i.e. mac, IP addresses, etc.?] Or is it
>>> really as simple as the LinkSys WRT54G box says... insert the CD...
>>> follow instructions, and voila!?
>>>
>>> Where/how do I check the security settings? I don't want anyone from
>>> the outside to have access. At this time I don't want the 2 pc's
>>> networked, I just want to get the laptop online. Since my desktop will
>>> have to share the router, what should be done first? Switch the cable
>>> modem to my router and plus in my desktop... or laptop? Linksys
>>> instructions say run the CD before plugging in the router.
>>>
>>> Barbara
>

Kerry Liles wrote:
> Some of the docs that come with the Linksys casually point out how to log in
> to the router. IIRC, it isn't so obvious. I *think* the user name is blank
> and the password is admin, but someone with the same model Linksys as you
> have might have to confirm that for you.
>
> HTH

I never got to a "log in" state. It's in the *middle* of the installation
that it asks for a password only... no user name or anything else... and no
matter what I change the password to, it will not stop checking my
configuration and asking for another password. I assumed the 5 character
password already there, is "admin"... but no matter what I do, it will not
pass this place in the installation... so the setup is never completed.

I do appreciate your response though... thanks.
bj




>
>
> "chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:WhMFg.31$(E-Mail Removed)...
>
>>RBM wrote:
>>
>>>Do what the Linksys instructions tell you. You only have to configure it
>>>once, in fact you probably don't have to do much more than plug it in as
>>>the default settings are probably fine for what you want. In any event,
>>>follow the instructions: you'll plug in the modem, then the router, then
>>>connect an Ethernet cable to a router port, and it will work. Once you've
>>> done the basics for the wireless, you can set up "wep" security, which
>>>it will also explain in the instructions and as you feel comfortable, you
>>> can log onto the router and adjust things. When the router is set for
>>>DHCP, which is by default, it will assign up to 50 computers on the local
>>> side, IP addressed automatically
>>
>>Thanks for your advice, got everything hooked up.
>>
>>Unfortunately, I couldn't get past the *repeated* password requests by the
>>Linksys CD *installation* process. I tried "admin" and any number of new
>>passwords, which it would not accept. It was in a loop, it would scan my
>>computer and come back over and over, requesting a password.
>>
>>What password is it looking for? I don't have one for my computer. Could
>>I have some Windows XP processes blocked causing this? I'm not
>>comfortable turning off my firewall, but should I disable my AV? Or is it
>>because I have a cable modem? I've read in some places about some people
>>on cable having to "clone" their mac addresses.
>>
>>Any additional advice, will be greatly appreciated. I've posted on a
>>Linksys forum too, but haven't gotten any answers. I saw that I wasn't
>>the only one with this problem, and they didn't get any replies either [a
>>couple of months ago]. If it matters, it's a Linksys WRT54G, version 6
>>router.
>>bj
>>
>>
>>
>>-----
>>
>>>"chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
>>>
>>>>I have just purchased a Gateway MX6440 laptop really as a replacement
>>>>for my main desktop pc, which was just repaired. I had thought I could
>>>>use it while the main pc was gone... however I didn't realize my cable
>>>>modem was fried by lightning too.
>>>>
>>>>In any event, I am now ready to install the router, so I can use the
>>>>laptop on the internet, and I'm worried about the security, and the
>>>>installation process.
>>>>
>>>>What info do I need at hand [i.e. mac, IP addresses, etc.?] Or is it
>>>>really as simple as the LinkSys WRT54G box says... insert the CD...
>>>>follow instructions, and voila!?
>>>>
>>>>Where/how do I check the security settings? I don't want anyone from
>>>>the outside to have access. At this time I don't want the 2 pc's
>>>>networked, I just want to get the laptop online. Since my desktop will
>>>> have to share the router, what should be done first? Switch the cable
>>>> modem to my router and plus in my desktop... or laptop? Linksys
>>>>instructions say run the CD before plugging in the router.
>>>>
>>>>Barbara
>>
>
>

I have to type "admin" (without quotes) in both places.
"chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:Xu%Fg.603$(E-Mail Removed)...
> Kerry Liles wrote:
>> Some of the docs that come with the Linksys casually point out how to log
>> in to the router. IIRC, it isn't so obvious. I *think* the user name is
>> blank and the password is admin, but someone with the same model Linksys
>> as you have might have to confirm that for you.
>>
>> HTH
>
> I never got to a "log in" state. It's in the *middle* of the installation
> that it asks for a password only... no user name or anything else... and
> no matter what I change the password to, it will not stop checking my
> configuration and asking for another password. I assumed the 5 character
> password already there, is "admin"... but no matter what I do, it will not
> pass this place in the installation... so the setup is never completed.
>
> I do appreciate your response though... thanks.
> bj
>
>
>
>
>>
>>
>> "chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:WhMFg.31$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>
>>>RBM wrote:
>>>
>>>>Do what the Linksys instructions tell you. You only have to configure it
>>>>once, in fact you probably don't have to do much more than plug it in as
>>>>the default settings are probably fine for what you want. In any event,
>>>>follow the instructions: you'll plug in the modem, then the router, then
>>>>connect an Ethernet cable to a router port, and it will work. Once
>>>>you've
>>>> done the basics for the wireless, you can set up "wep" security, which
>>>>it will also explain in the instructions and as you feel comfortable,
>>>>you
>>>> can log onto the router and adjust things. When the router is set for
>>>> DHCP, which is by default, it will assign up to 50 computers on the
>>>> local
>>>> side, IP addressed automatically
>>>
>>>Thanks for your advice, got everything hooked up.
>>>
>>>Unfortunately, I couldn't get past the *repeated* password requests by
>>>the Linksys CD *installation* process. I tried "admin" and any number of
>>>new passwords, which it would not accept. It was in a loop, it would
>>>scan my computer and come back over and over, requesting a password.
>>>
>>>What password is it looking for? I don't have one for my computer.
>>>Could I have some Windows XP processes blocked causing this? I'm not
>>>comfortable turning off my firewall, but should I disable my AV? Or is
>>>it because I have a cable modem? I've read in some places about some
>>>people on cable having to "clone" their mac addresses.
>>>
>>>Any additional advice, will be greatly appreciated. I've posted on a
>>>Linksys forum too, but haven't gotten any answers. I saw that I wasn't
>>>the only one with this problem, and they didn't get any replies either [a
>>>couple of months ago]. If it matters, it's a Linksys WRT54G, version 6
>>>router.
>>>bj
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>-----
>>>
>>>>"chicagofan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
>>>>
>>>>>I have just purchased a Gateway MX6440 laptop really as a replacement
>>>>>for my main desktop pc, which was just repaired. I had thought I could
>>>>>use it while the main pc was gone... however I didn't realize my cable
>>>>>modem was fried by lightning too.
>>>>>
>>>>>In any event, I am now ready to install the router, so I can use the
>>>>>laptop on the internet, and I'm worried about the security, and the
>>>>>installation process.
>>>>>
>>>>>What info do I need at hand [i.e. mac, IP addresses, etc.?] Or is it
>>>>>really as simple as the LinkSys WRT54G box says... insert the CD...
>>>>>follow instructions, and voila!?
>>>>>
>>>>>Where/how do I check the security settings? I don't want anyone from
>>>>>the outside to have access. At this time I don't want the 2 pc's
>>>>>networked, I just want to get the laptop online. Since my desktop will
>>>>> have to share the router, what should be done first? Switch the cable
>>>>> modem to my router and plus in my desktop... or laptop? Linksys
>>>>> instructions say run the CD before plugging in the router.
>>>>>
>>>>>Barbara
>>>
>>