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Starting with a small question. How do I know I have a bad wireless Netgear router?

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Short checklist to prove whether the Netgear is faulty. Since reports the router used to work on the main PC and the laptop can reach the modem directly, the goal is to isolate router vs client vs wireless configuration. As suggested, testing with a known-good client or at a store helps, but try these concrete checks first.

Wired checks (use the main PC that previously worked): plug the PC into a LAN port on the router, then run ipconfig /all (Windows) or ip addr (Linux) to see the assigned IP and default gateway. If you get a valid LAN address from the router, the LAN/DHCP is alive. If you get a 169.254.x.x address or no gateway, the router’s DHCP/LAN services are not responding. Ping the gateway with ping <gateway>; no reply while the NIC link LED is solid points toward firmware or hardware failure.

Wireless-specific tests: use a smartphone or another WiFi device to scan for the SSID. If the SSID is absent but wired LAN works, the radio may be disabled, set to an unsupported band (2.4 vs 5 GHz), or configured to hide SSID or block MACs. If the SSID is visible but the laptop cannot join, update the laptop’s wireless drivers, check encryption compatibility (WPA2 today), and temporarily disable MAC filtering or hidden SSID to rule out configuration issues.

Hardware clues and next steps: abnormal boot LED patterns (continuous single-blink, no LAN link LEDs while cables are connected), excessive heat, or physical damage are strong failure signs. For a conclusive result, try a known-good router or borrow a working laptop. If the router won’t respond to Ethernet at all (no link, no DHCP, no ping), it’s very likely defective — note model/serial and simple test results and pursue an exchange, RMA, or bench test at a shop.

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Member Avatar for SnowDog

Hold in the reset button on the back for 15 seconds, let it reboot, and check that all the correct lights are on and are steady (as per the manual). That will make sure the router is set the best it is going to be.

Question: has it ever worked on the machine you are using with your existing wireless adapter?

Is the wireless adapter built-in, or is it one of those USB dongles?

Can you either get the router tested at a store or test it with a laptop you KNOW works on other available networks?

Does your laptop find the router at all?

Can your laptop find other routers?

Once you can safely say "my laptop definitely works and the Netgear definitely doesn't" you've got a case :)

Member Avatar for samckni

Yes, the router has worked on the main computer. I am not able to configure the router at all. I have check and replaced cabling and power cycled unit.

The laptop doesn't find the router and I can connect the laptop directly to my cable modem - all works fine.

I haven't held the reset button for 15 sec, I will try that. If that doesn't work I will try and get it tested at a store.

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