Competing Networks Problem

Outburst · 14 Apr 2011

I have several pc's atleast one of them have os's that cannot connect to WPA encryption so i bought a wireless router that have WEP encryption so i could leave the main router the way it is.

I installed Win7Ult on the laptop that is giving all the trouble. Lately the two networks appear to be competing for the connection and i cannot get online until i turn off the secondary router. this was not a problem until i installed Win7(could just be a coincidence).

It seems to be gettin worse because i notice my other pc's dropping connection until i power off the second router. any help is appreciated.

Dell inspiron 8600 15.4”LCD laptop
Windows 7 Ultimate
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 graphics
1.5gb Ram
40GB HDD
1.3 ghz intel celeron processor

WebMattR · 15 Apr 2011

It sounds to me like one of the "routers" you bought may be defective. Could you perhaps provide me with a manufacturer name for each of them, as well as a model number, and that may help shed some light on things.

Outburst · 15 Apr 2011

Netgear WGR614v10 is the new router.....the other router is a at&t residential gateway 3800HGV-B that ive have for a few years. as long as netgear is not on there is no problem. Netgear has worked without flaw for about 1.5 mos but since i installed Win7ult on one of my laptops all the problems have started. they appear to be fighting for a connection. i even went in wireless properties and set both networks to not log on automatically. once i get on a network with both systems powered on....i can be online or a short time and then they start fighting again.

WebMattR · 15 Apr 2011

Wait, how exactly do you have them hooked up? Do you have the AT&T Router plugged into the wall, and then the Netgear plugged into it? OR do you have two seperate network connections coming into your house?

Outburst · 15 Apr 2011

i have netgear connected via ethernet cable to at&t and it is plugged into the wall....the whole reason for this extra router is so i can connect windows xp to internet wirelessly. it has worked like this all this time.

WebMattR · 15 Apr 2011

Can you use just the Netgear? Is there a spot on it to plug your network connection (from outside) into it?

Outburst · 15 Apr 2011

if i unplug one to not use it will be netgear. i dont have another way to plug netgear in. i now only use it for one pc out of five that i have....i just think it should work right. winxphome edition only has wep encryption...not wpa like uverse gateway....if all else fails....ill just upgrade my os to winxp pro and then all computer will connect via wpa encryption. i bought netgear for $12 to connect the two pc's i had at the time to the web that had winxp home...i just upgraded one of those pc's to win7ult.....so that just leaves one pc that needs netgear......QUESTION.....do u think if i reset netgear to factory default(public wifi) that will solve my problem?

WebMattR · 15 Apr 2011

Did you buy the netgear used? And at this point, I don't know how you'd buy an XP Pro serial number. I don't think it's possible anymore.

Resetting it to factory defaults would be a start. Then go in and turn off the DHCP, and most of the functionality of it, other than the wireless it's broadcasting. The problem is that you really shouldn't plug a router into a router.

Outburst · 15 Apr 2011

i did buy netgear recertified....as far as xp pro....we will see....i can still use the pc...but have to turn netgear off when i finish....