my boyfriends router isn't working...?

before you do all this other junk....after everything is plugged in, unplug the modem from the wall and plug it back in so that the modem resets through the wifi

You need to access the router's control panel which is at a website reached by typing the given address (supplied with the router; call customer support if you can't find it).

Once there, you need to change the router's IP address to that of your boyfriend's ISP. Now that a router is between the laptop and the internet connection, the provider is coming to the address of the router first; recognizing it as not being a customer and not allowing access. This is why it is the router which should now contain the IP; the laptop should be changed to allow dynamic (changeable) IP.

If on the other hand, the router is not the first device in the chain to which the ISP's signal comes, it should be. The chain should go: Cable (or phone line) to router; router to each of the computers rather than Cable to computer one to router to computer 2. Set it up like the first arrangement (cable-router-comp1-comp2). Then, perform the operation I described and all should function properly.

A lot of things can cause this, so I will simply mention the most common problems:

1) A firewall on your laptop. Check for any antivirus software. Look for documentation for more info on resolving this.

2) Interference. It's possible that there is too much radio activity on the channel he's using to transmit. Try switching the channel on the router. Again, look at your documentation if you don't know how to do this.

3) Bad Router Configuration. For this one, you will need to talk to a professional on-site, or get more information for your question here. I would need to know a lot, so I would go with calling the router comp. or your ISP.

Make sure his laptop is set to "obtain IP address automatically. Also check the connection by trying the ping utility:

1. click on start

2. select run and type cmd and press enter.

3. type ipconfig

4. find the IP address and the default gateway (like 192.168.0.1)

5. ping the default gateway - ping 192.168.0.1

If you get a reply then you are connected.

Ok. Maybe u must manually set up IP of the comp. Try this Start>Control panel>network Connections>Right click on the net conn. for the router and select properties. Than on the general tab in the list named 'This connection uses the following items' find internet protocol (TCP/IP) and double click on it. Than manually eneter adresses of the computer, DNS server and other. For my comp it's:

IP Adress: 192.168.1.13

Subnet mask:255.255.255.0

Gateway:192.168.1.1

IPs of DNS servers are provided by ur internet provider.

Update the drivers and the firmware.

type the name of the product as x

"x drivers"

"x firmware"

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

Sometimes the ISP has to be notified for example if you get a new cable modem or dsl modem. Ask them for details. you're paying them in part for their tech support.