Cisco 827H Router Problem setting to factory defaults 1

[edtheduck]

Hi
Hope one of you guys is willing to help me.
I brought a 827H Router off ebay (now know this was a stupid thing to do,should have just got a new one)with the idea that it would help me learn the ios commands and how to set up routers.
Well in the last two weeks i have missed three nights sleep trying to work out what is wrong. (the wife thinks i am having an affair)
The problem is i have an autoconfigured ip address and subnet mask, and no matter what i do it always loads on boot.
I have re-set to factory defaults, deleted the flash and re-loaded,deleted the contents of nvram,webflash and when i re-boot the auto-ip address is still there.
If there is nothing that can be done i would rather know so i can just get a router off a recognised supplier.
Someone please tell me where i am going wrong, it is 01:30 in the morning and i have been here for 18 hours and i am considering throwing it out the window.

Paul

 

[edtheduck]

Thanks youve been a great help
One last question what books if any would you recommend for me to use as study guides.
I am really interested in learning more maybe a ccna/ccnp
What do you think of the cisco books

Thanks again

Paul

 

[JOAMON]

Take a look at the following.....

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=My7tP2ABCh&isbn=1587200953&itm=1

This would be a good start. The Cisco material in my opinion is the best way to go. There are others out there but I used the Cisco press books to get my CCNA with. Just getting started into the CCNP phase.
A couple of 2500 series router would be great for home study as well. They can be found on ebay for a good price.
Hope I was helpful...If you are happy a * would be appreciated.....

Have a great one....