DNS server errors/general connectivity issues

[Hyuudo]

Forgive the wall of text. :( Haven't had a very enjoyable last 1-2 weeks.

So, I got RoadRunner from Time Warner Cable in August. Verizon DSL was cutting out every few minutes, said fuck it and finally upgraded. Fast forward 3 modem exchanges (they apparently ONLY carry some fucking no-name brand called Ubee), finally get one that works...for about 3 weeks.

One day I try to log into PS2 after being on the previous night without an issue, and I get POL-0020, DNS error. 3 more days of attempting to log in, same thing. I figure my PS2 had finally taken a shit since PC/PSP/PS3 all had no issues logging in. Also worth mentioning I had gotten a router, a Linksys E2000, and narrowed it down as it not being the cause of the problem (even though I thought it was at first).

I do a file check on POL, nothing. My fat PS2's disc tray didn't come out anymore, but I didn't use it to play PS2 games anyway, so who cares. I end up taking it apart, as I'd done many times before without an issue, to pop in POL disc(s) to see if I can just reinstall that way and see if that helps. I put it back together with a POL disc inside, doesn't start up. I'd remembered accidentally yanking a little too hard on the silvery power-strip thing that runs from the power button on the inside to underneath in the parts of the PS2, so I figured that was the cause.

Anyway, a couple days later and there's still connection problems. PC ends up getting a DNS error too even though I had it plugged -directly- into the modem...and facepalmed after realizing I killed my PS2 for no reason. <_<

Add on top of it, the router required an upgrade to Vista SP1...which caused the PC to not recognize PS3 controller input anymore, so now I'm stuck playing FFXI in this uncomfortable-ass chair with just a keyboard. -_- Everything's kinda taken a shit on me all at once...so I'm kinda at a loss.

Any and all help or advice would be appreciated at this point. I'm getting financial aid disbursement soon and I'm going to be buying a laptop/PC/maybe both anyway, and maybe a used fat PS2 if I can't fix this one somehow, but this still sucks balls.

Sorry, but there's really no way to TL;DR it all. ; ; If I knew how to spoiler tag, I'd "In return, tits" you guys, but I'm a forum noob.

Thanks. <3

[Bloodfire]

My first suggestion, Upgrade to Windows 7. Vista has all kinds of problems, some I probably don't know about, but never used it long enough to find out. Based off your statement of you receiving financial aid... if it is for school, and you are a student you can get win 7 for $30 from Microsoft, or maybe your school for free.

Anyway, As far as your DNS issue with the PS2, I have never heard good things about a Linksys, but make sure your router is compatible with the PS2. Try disabling the firewall on the router and see if that fixes your issue.

Have you tried a direct connect with your modem?
Road Runner ISP automatically acquires your mac address from w/e device you have connected. To do this, unplug your router from the modem and connect the PS2 to the modem, then disconnect the power from your modem and wait about 1-2 minutes and reconnect the power. Wait another 1-2 minutes (I would wait 5 just to be sure) and see if you can connect.

I hope this can fix your issue.

[Hyuudo]

That's the thing, though. PS2 was running through the Linksys no problem for 2 days. Then just overnight, poof, no connection available. The modem is getting returned yet again (4th time...) as soon as I can get out there, which is likely in a day and a half.
PS2 is out of commission/dead permanently unless I can fix those 2 power strips.

Back when it was still working, I connected the PS2 straight to the modem and it still wasn't working...then fast forward a few days and the PC was getting DNS errors, too, somehow. Now I know it's the modem. Getting tired of having to exchange these fucking turds. The Linksys is fine. I first got a D-Link and tried it out, couldn't get it to work for a month straight. Took it back and exchanged for a Linksys, had it up and running in 15 minutes. <_<

D-Link offered the option of port forwarding but nothing would happen when I set it to open the ports for PS2 (again, likely because of the modem, but meh).

I'll give what you suggested a try though, definitely. Still open for input from anyone else, of course, too. Gonna bother whoever I can about getting Windows 7 for free, too, when I go to classes on Monday. :3 Thanks.

[Caiyuo]

Should be fairly easy to change your DNS addresses within your router if that genuinely is the problem and not a symptom of something else--I'm not sure what else that could be. What is likely happening is that you're using your ISP's DNS servers so you can give Google's DNS servers a shot to see if things change: http://code.google.com/speed/public-dns/

As far as Vista/Windows 7, lots of good reasons to upgrade and for that you can look here: http://forums.mydigitallife.info/thr...s-7-Repository

[Hyuudo]

UPDATE:

PC/PS3/PSP/router/laptop all work fine now, knock on freaking wood, but PS2 is still broken, gonna have to get another one when I get my FA (it's not much, maybe 50 bucks. I love playing on PS2 anyway). I can't try out the PS2 suggested fix until I get a new one. >_<

Thank you for the help, guys. I appreciate it. I'll post here if and when the new PS2 is still giving connection problems. Everyone is still welcome to post their advice in the meantime.