Internet Down After Changing DNS?

[ClevelandBaller]

I have an N750 router and am using it in an Air Force dorm, so all I normally need to do is plug it into the wall and it works. This is how I used it for the last 7 months, until I tried to change the DNS to be used with DNS Smart Proxy. Ever since then, I've been able to connect to the router but the internet hasn't worked, even after I switched the settings back and reset the router. How can I fix this?

[TheEther · Accepted solution]

Try cloning your laptop's MAC address onto the router.  The option is on the router's Internet Setup screen towards the bottom.

[ElaineM]

Welcome to the community, @ClevelandBaller

What's the exact model number of the NETGEAR router?

What lights are lit on the router?

[ClevelandBaller]

The model number is WNDR4300V2. All of the lights are lit as they normally are

[ElaineM]

Try to do another factory reset then reconfigure the router. 

I suggest that you use a paper clip in resetting the router. 

[ClevelandBaller]

Tried that a couple days ago and didn't seem to work

[ElaineM]

If you connect a PC straight to the wall, will you have internet access? 

If you do, try to follow the steps below. 

No Internet with new router - MAC spoofing

[ClevelandBaller]

Still didn't work 😕 I've actually basically been using my laptop as a router with no problems by connecting with an Ethernet cable directly to the wall and just setting up a hot spot if that provides any clues

[ElaineM]

Can you clarify further on what you meant by "using my laptop as a router...?"

How are things connected to the router? 

Normally, the router is in the center of all devices. The router will be the one to provide internet access on wired and wireless devices you have.

So from the wall, the cable should be connected to the Internet or WAN port on the router and for configuration purposes you will have a PC to be connected to one of the 4 LAN ports. 

I cannot access the Internet with my NETGEAR router; what troubleshooting steps should I follow?

[ClevelandBaller]

I currently have my laptop connected directly to the wall, and I set up a wifi hotspot from my laptop to connect my phone to, which is what I meant when I said I was using it as a router. This works fine, but i means I can't carry my laptop around because then I would have to unplug it. The router isn't plugged into anything right now.

[TheEther · Accepted solution]

Try cloning your laptop's MAC address onto the router.  The option is on the router's Internet Setup screen towards the bottom.

[ClevelandBaller]

That worked! Thanks so much I was starting to get frustrated haha