Right, while you were helping (I'm not fully comfortable yet) I tried with a boot with the Ethernet disconnected. The notebook came up with the wireless detected and a strong signal seen, but would not work and when looking at the "view all wireless networks" a note advised: Windows can not configure this wireless connection....something about if some other program in control, or look at article 871122 in MS Know ledge base. Before doing that I went back to the Broadband Wireless Utility, this comes active on boot and is the software associated with the built-in wireless adapter in the notebook, it appears. So, this must the reason MS couldn't configure. Looking at the various dialog boxes associated with the Broadcom I re-entered the Network Key. I figured I knew it, and noted the number of "*" in the boxes were one character short of the key I remember. So I re-entered the key, and the WiFi started working, I'm using it right now. Thus, I've removed while typing my discomfort noted at the start of this post, it is the Broadcom software that is in control and I made an error when I first tired to activate, wrong key just as you, mikie, suggest. Thanks.

WiFi = wireless fidelity Go wireless and make your network private with a passcode ("key"). Like they said, you still have the wired ports if you want to hook anything up that way (such as the nearest computer). You'll need a wireless adaptor for each computer. For desktops, I found installing a PCI adaptor gets a better signal than a USB adaptor I tried, but the USB is simpler to install if you haven't installed a card into a computer before. That's based on one a single instance, so maybe the USB's are stronger now. Wireless G will probably be fine (they're on sale everywhere), though you could splurge and go for "N", giving even more range and speed, etc.. N routers were like $99 at microcenter. Anyway, yesterday I bought a Linksys G PCI adaptor on sale there for $39 (reg. $49), to be used with our new Dell running Vista to communicate with a Dell running WinXP. (I think the Linksys G routers were like $59.) I'm also sharing the printer that's connected to the XP computer, and doing so without a printer server, which everyone wants to sell you. There's a way to do it without it, but none of the store geeks will share that info. (Turn on file sharing and "share this printer", install the driver onto the other computer, then explore and find the main computer on your network, under it find the printer on the network, and select it.

fwiw WPA is the security most would use. One passphrase of 20 charatures is recommended by most to make it virtually unhackable. That security is to keep others out of your router or off your internet connection. Many people screw up writing down passphrases on paper and/or retyping it in. Can't connect complaints usually blaming it on other things are frequently solved by whoops, my passphrase was entered wrong. Copy & Paste passphase is virtually foolproof. But requires a bit of though. Dont push the OK button until you've pasted it onto notepad or something. WEP is ok, but there are programs Johnny Jr next door might use to gain access in a few minutes. One of those four WEP keys is designated the primary key with a bullet or check box... that checked key you would copy/paste into your computer for the passphrase or key. You're not going to be automatically given a key in your home. Maybe at work when login & security is handled off a server. When you do credit cards and other secrets online usually its on a secure web page and those web pages are encryped so mr bad guy & neighbor are not able to see anything except googlygoop.

follow the directions given with the router you do not change any cords till the cd tells you to take that step. Leave your desktop as you have had it, put the cd in the desktop cd drawer, run the cd follow the instructions it will tell you and show you exactly how and when to change the cords it will lead you through step by step, READ the instruction pamphlet that came with it that tells you what the cd does. When it tells you to set up a password for the router do it and write it down then tape that to the bottom of your router along with the name you give the SSID for your wireless network, you will at some point have to select to choose WPA2 for your method of security it is generally set there default, then it will give you a long WPA password you can accept that or create your own just keep that one it is more secure than one you create, be very very sure you write it down as it is caps and lower case and put that on the paper under the router. That is the key anyone in your house that wants to get on the wireless will need to enter into their laptop to connect, so that laptop will detect the wireless and then will ask for the password that is the one you just saved so you will enter that into the box and then it should connect if all is correct. On my linksys it asked during the set up if I wanted to print out all that info and yes I did and it also asked if you want to put a text file on your desktop with the info sure let it do that too you can delete it at any time if you no longer need it. Just take it one step at a time do not change anything till you have the cd in the machine and it tells you to. depending on the router you bought you can go to the company website and look up the model number and they all have a pdf manual on line with directions and pictures also. If you tell us which router you got someone might know more specifics of that particular one.