Depending on what type of modem it is, Does it give out DHCP to your computer with a address starting with 192, 172, or 10. Then your modem makes the connection to your ISP. Given this info.
Access the modem using the default router IP found in the network connection properties. Once in the modem determine what type of connection it is using (pppoe/DHCP). Go ahead and put your modem into bridge mode after you get this info. This will pass the connection for the next device to establish (router).
If it is a DHCP go ahead and Reset the Router (Hold reset button for about 15 seconds), this will put it into auto obtain on the WAN Side. Then turn everything off pull the cable from the modem and let sit all unplugged for about 5 min (ISP use MAC binding, this needs to be cleared from there intries so the router can make the connection). Next keep everything unplugged but hook everything back up cableline ---> Cable modem ---> Cat5 to WAN/Internet port on Router ---> Cat5 to Computer. After all is hooked up go ahead and power on each device starting with the modem then router then computer give 30 seconds in between each boot up.
If pppoe, You will have to access the router and make the connection entering a pppoe username and password. Before you call your ISP go ahead and try just your username of the masteraccount of the e-mail you get from your ISP ex...
[email protected] use joe and then enter in the password for that e-mail. If you do not know them then you must call your ISP to get everything reset.
Some ISP's use open pppoe if this is the case with your just go ahead and enter in anything for the username and password.
I know this is choppy but if you have anymore ?'s ask