Network and Linksys BEFSR41 - No communication

Network overview -- XP Home SP2-current updates, w98SE-current updates, HP2610 network printer (Ethernet connection), cable modem. All network connections are established via router. XP, router, modem little over two years old. Network has always been stable during this period.
Sunday when I brought up my XP, Kerio displayed an unusual IP address to desktop. XP issued no network connection. I glanced at my cable modem (Surfboard SB4100) all 4 green lights active, but yellow "activity" was NOT blinking. Powered down XP, modem, and router .. waited 5 minutes. Powered up modem, waited for 4 green active, then powered up router. Still no yellow light active, powered up XP from browser URL typed in http://192.168.1.1/, address/router view not available. I then looked at my router light display ... noticed RED light status for "Diag" (diagnostics?). Powered down modem, router. Ran cable from modem directly to my XP NIC. Powered up modem / XP .. established link to Internet. I've substituted all Ethernet cables used in my network from "modem to XP NIC, always able to establish connection .. all cables are good.
It would appear my router is the problem. How does one "run diagnostics" with NO communication to PC. Would this require a "reinstall" of the router?
Are one of the possibilities .. router is dead / broke?
Side note - With no router in link, Kerio is very busy issuing "Port requests" (Average about dozen plus per hour). So far clicking "Deny" and NOT writing rule. Prefer not to add numerous rules, want/will put router back on line when this issue is resolved.
Have two meetings early / mid PM today, will respond when time permits.

 

Dennis,

Have you reset your router? Hold the reset button in for about 30 seconds and see if that helps.

Mike

 

Thanks Mike
I posted a second reply to my initial post per Google "Red Light" issue with this router .. but I must have been so involved I forgot to push submit (or posted to wrong thread). Reading through a number of post "Reset" was always suggested .. blinking red seem to have a survival / recovery, steady red (my condition) had high odds on being fatal. Not knowing the exact protocol of power up requirements I did the following ....
Powered XP, modem down.
Re-cabled back to proper configuration.
Powered up modem, 4x steady greens.
Powered up Router -- continues at "constant red "/WAN/Diag.
Powered up XP -- No connection status -- Clicked Repair/renew IP, failed.
Pushed in "Reset" on router for about a minute, anticipating an internal power down/up re-light status... it did NOT do this, all lights just continued to glow.
I then pulled the power plug on router, then powered it back up.
The RED light was GONE, "ACT" orange was blinking, XP "No connection" disappeared from screen.
Loaded browser, have Internet connection.
Turned on w98, have Internet connection and Network link to LAN.
Turned on HP2610 network printer, recognized on http://192.168.1.102
Me one happy camper.
Sorry folks, should have Googled this issue first. Just finished a 70 hour/8 day work week .. been a little punchy.

 

Dennis,

Glad to hear you got it working again. No need to apologize for being punchy. Sometimes, I wish I was punchy!

Mike