Windows 10: Router Disconnecting Inexplicably

Recently my (NETGEAR) router just started disconnecting on its own. After a few minutes, it reconnects.

I know it's the router, and not the ISP/cable modem. I have owned my own modem and separate router for years, and when the ISP (Comcast) disconnects, I am still able to access my router's web admin address (192.168.1.1) and see that the ISP is disconnected. With this shutdown, the router's web interface can not be accessed.

Other info: I recently (about 6 months ago) returned to connecting my own machine via Ethernet cable rather than WiFi, whereas all other devices connect wirelessly. Not that this should matter.

I also had installed PRTG network monitoring software after Comcast said I was nearing my bandwidth limit (never happended before) and they coincidently said they would charge high dollar fees for small overages. I uninstalled it when this started happening, but it continues to happen.

The family thinks that malware is in a computer affecting the router, or in the router itself. I don't see how the router firmware could be altered, but I suppose it's possible a device might affect the router (?)

Has anyone seen this problem?

How do I go about tracing the problem?

I should note that I will be getting a new machine on Monday, a desktop this time (I have not lifted my laptop off its cooling platform in at least 5 years). The net reviews seem to circle on Acer Aspire as a good desktop in the $500-1000 range for 2021, good for web dev application work and less-than-intense video streaming. My 9-year old ASUS G74SX has served well and will get a gold watch with retirement. Since I will be transferring the system, I don't suppose I can hope to see if the new machine will stop the router from disconnecting.

:)

 

Inexplicable restarts

Thanks for your patient help and analysis, zbook. I'll step through some of your suggestions over the next few days - there's a lot to do and some look a bit hairy! That is, for a PC that is working sweetly right now...

Meanwhile, as requested in the BSOD thread (sorry, I misunderstood and posted there by mistake), I've attached both ZIP files.
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One step I did try right away was to answer your question about whether my BIOS is up-to-date. I had no success at the AMI site but did get some info from this commercial site:





It was one of the '9' (I counted 10) listed here:





Terry, East Grinstead, UK

 

How to factory reset Cisco 1700 Router

Hopefully I can help you here....its a very common thing to happen.


First, I take it you dont know the passwords for console access or telnet/ssh?

I will assume that these devices belong to you.

step 1. Plug a cisco console cable into a serial port on your pc
step 2. Plug other end into Cisco console port
step 3. Using hyperterm or putty or similar connect to the serial port
step 4. boot router, and make sure you clearly can see the output (this confirms you have good serial comms)
step 5. if this fails, adjust the comm port settings (9600, 8,1,n are the default)
step 6. now you have to do the only hard part...send the break command:

Break command list: Break Commands

Go down the list and match your OS and SW and try the sequence suggested.

If this fails several times do what I do: Install putty (free) and then to send a break so you can get into rommom just hit "ctrl-a b".

 

uTorrent disconnecting my internet connection

AT&T wasn't much of a help. All they suggested was to replace my router and modem with their products.

The disconnections never happen when I surf the web