problem with service agent software

[brh62]

I just set up a WLAN using a Belkin cable/dsl wireless router and Belkin usb wireless adapters. The network runs fine with all computers able to access the network. The problem starts when the main computer shuts down or reboots then the att service agent software searches for the cable moden cannot find it because its behind the routers firewall and disable the connection. I then have to uninstall the usb adapter, disconect the router make a direct connection to the cable modem and the set up the adapter and router again. I would really appreciate it if someone has the answer to this, I tried att but they do not support networks

[Greenstead]

Your topology (how all your devices are connected) is not really clear. Maybe you can describe it.
e.g.
Modem->WAN port...Belkin router... -> wireless and wired links to PCs (how many?).

What windows systems are you using (XP/ME etc)?

Why do you describe one PC as the 'main' computer?

Are you using DSL with PPPoE ?

Do you have a single internet IP address ?

What is this att service agent ? Is a PPoE client ?

Your system sounds incorrectly configured. With more info it may be possible to sort this out.

[brh62]

The pc is connected to the Belkin cable/dsl router thru a usb wireless adapter. The router connects to the cable modem with an ethernet cable. A laptop also connects to the router with a usb adapter

The pc runs ME and the lapton run 98SE

The reason I refered to the pc as the Main computer is because this was set up originally with the cable modem and it usb adapter mac is the one that the router cloned.

The router has a single ip address the others are assigned by dhcp and i have renewed their ip addresses.

As far as I understand the ATT service agent software checks the connection between the pc and the cable modem and verifies that it is there.

[clutchd]

You need to make sure that you have the correct ESSID name and channel number. Also, make sure that you have your network adapter set to "Obtain an IP address automatically." Only suggestions, dont know if they will work, will leave this one to greenstead...lol

[Greenstead]

Without knowing what this service agent is makes it difficult to understand where the problem lies. I never heard of any service agent or other software needed on the PC with a cable connection.

It is ATT cable you have?
This?
http://help.broadband.att.com/index.jsp?lobid=1

The problem may be with cloning in the router of the MAC address.

With my cable service what I did was register with the ISP the MAC address of the router. I suggest you call ATT and tell them you have changed your PC and heres the new MAC address (give them the MAC address of the Belkin router - it is usually printed on the bottom of the router).

However, if ATT really do need some 'agent' on the PC then this might not be a solution.

I'm afraid without knowing more the ATT service it is difficult to help.

[brh62]

Well it appears that the software in question was not the problem
I deleted it and i could still connect. But I still have the same problem the connection lasts as long as the computer is not turned off. Once the computer is rebooted it loses its connection, winipcfg says that the media is disconnected and the device manager says that the device is working correctly. I installed the other adapter on the laptop and that is working fine doesnt lose connection after a reboot, changed adapters and had the same problem on the PC but the laptop worked ok. It appears that the problem maybe with the PC, does anyone have any suggestions

[brh62]

UPDATE: Problem solved thanks to Practically Networked article on WinME NIC problems. I just unchecked the " detect connection to network media box and everything was fine, Thanks everyone for the input