Being on the LAN end of the router, you can log on to the router from a browser. Check the manufacturers website for instructions on how to do this. Once inside, find something like "reset to factory defaults" and do it.
Once it does, I would IMMEDIATELY assign a new password to the router, then turn ON wireless encryption. Again, go to the manufacturer for this.
Sounds like someone may have been "wardriving" and may have changed some settings, because unless you do the above two steps, anyone with a laptop can access the Internet from the safety of their car - not to mention your router, and any of your computers that may not be protected by other means like a software firewall.
A factory reset button is usually VERY small, even a hole that you stick a paper clip through and push while you recycle power. Warning, dont just go sticking things through any hole you find. Make sure you know exactly where the hole is. You dont want to push a metal paper clip into a live electrical circuit. That would not be good.
Billy Bob
February 2006
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