Router Inaccessible TP-Link Archer C1200

BarkingGhostar

Diamond Member
Nov 20, 2009
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OK, I was playing with a TP-Link Archer C1200 that was connected via Ethernet on LAN port 1 using an HP Smart Mini PC.

While playing with these two, nothing was connected to the WAN port of the router and the wi-fi networks were turned off. This morning I got up and turned both on and I could not access the router at all. I cannot find a default TP-Link IP address to use and the http://tplinkwifi.net doesn't work. I've tried a variety of IP addressed to test reachability, but I get Transmit Failed: General Failure using Ping in Windows 8.1 terminal.

I then gave up and decided to following the manufacture's directions on performing a hard reset, which is to hold down the WPS/Reset button for at least ten (10) seconds until the SYS LED goes from a slow flashing to a rapid flashing. Only problem is I hold this button down for 30 seconds and the LED stays constant, acting like there is no change.

So now I have to wonder if this fairly new router is toast or something. Any suggestions or ideas?

PS: I may have short-sighted a previous hard reset by not waiting long enough for the flashing to go from slow to fast, but even then I was still able to access the router just fine. Just sitting here unpowered overnight seems to have allowed something to occur which results in their current condition.
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
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There should be a default ip login pwd somewhere on the router or in the documentation.
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
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"Transmit Failure: General Failure" sounds kind of like a problem with the ethernet on the host, and not necessarily the router.
 

BarkingGhostar

Diamond Member
Nov 20, 2009
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sdfox: TP-Link has people using the internal web server of the router, which it that tplinkwifi.net address, but it is unreachable.
VL: The LED on the HO Smart Mini shows a solid Green so I think I have good link-layer established. Only W8.1 reports no valid IP configured on adapter.
ch33zw1z: ipconfig shows the Ethernet adapter being configured with 169.254.x.y/255.255.0.0, which is a bit shocking considering this is a routable address but I have no clue as to where the specific IP came from but it is owned by you-know-who: https://myip.ms/view/ip_addresses/2852030464/169.254.136.0_169.254.136.255

When I check the adapter's configuration under Network properties it shows it setup for DHCP for everything so I can't begin to understand why the above address was assigned. BTW, I do not have the Bluetooth or wifi operating. I deliberately turned them off a long time ago as I only wanted wired connections.
 

ch33zw1z

Lifer
Nov 4, 2004
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169.254.x.x means the NIC isn't getting a DHCP address, and windows is just giving it a default
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
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sdfox: TP-Link has people using the internal web server of the router, which it that tplinkwifi.net address, but it is unreachable.
VL: The LED on the HO Smart Mini shows a solid Green so I think I have good link-layer established. Only W8.1 reports no valid IP configured on adapter.
ch33zw1z: ipconfig shows the Ethernet adapter being configured with 169.254.x.y/255.255.0.0, which is a bit shocking considering this is a routable address but I have no clue as to where the specific IP came from but it is owned by you-know-who: https://myip.ms/view/ip_addresses/2852030464/169.254.136.0_169.254.136.255

When I check the adapter's configuration under Network properties it shows it setup for DHCP for everything so I can't begin to understand why the above address was assigned. BTW, I do not have the Bluetooth or wifi operating. I deliberately turned them off a long time ago as I only wanted wired connections.


There is always a default ip user name and pwd.

This page suggests 192.168.0.1 admin admin. Just put your computer in the same subnet (setup ip manually) and use that ip as gateway and you should be able to connect to the web interface.

http://m.setuprouter.com/router/tp-link/archer-c1200/login.htm

https://www.router-reset.com/en/reset-manuals/TP-LINK/Archer-C1200-v2x

And the reset button is not the wps button. The reset button is the pinhole next to the power switch on the back.

Archer-AC1200-Rear-Ports.jpg
 
Last edited:

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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AT this point whatever was done before migth be irrelevant because you used the reset.

Find what is the Default IP of the Router and set the computer's IP Properties to manual IP (Static IP) of the same IP band, If it is not providing any change then the Router is "Bricked".


:cool:
 

BarkingGhostar

Diamond Member
Nov 20, 2009
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I did put the static config on the host and tried to ping 192.168.0.1 and 1.1 but nothing. I then took sdfox's enlightenment and pulled my butt from the sand when it came to the rest button and actually rest the router and I was able to access it. LOL

This is what happens before coffee in the morning. It should be illegal to do anything without the proper amount of caffeine.
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
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Pulling your head out of the sand works better than pulling your butt :awe: