This is one of those situations where there is a lot of compatibility of equipment even when they use different standards. Basically, here are the main things to know: 1) You need one, and only one, wireless router. An N router is probably the best choice for you, and would typically be backwards compatible with older technologies. It will handle your computer connections, printer connections, and other wireless systems, if you have any, like game players, or streaming video boxes like Roku players. 2) If you want the old Dell to connect wirelessly, it would likely need to have a wireless card added to one of the slots...not very expensive. Or you could continue to have it connected with an Ethernet cable to the new router. 3) You will need one computer hooked up by Ethernet cable to the new router to set up your system. Then it can be disconnected and used wirelessly afterwards if you want. 4) Your printer should be compatible with your router, and that varies among printers. If you have an N router, it would also likely interface fine with a b/g standard as well as N printer.

Zep - I have 3 devices in my network list: 1) 1394 net adapter 2)intel 82566mm gigabit network connection (this one I was able to get an updated driver - but on my network connections, it still shows as local area connection - "network cable unplugged,fire..." and I'm not able to click that and get the rest of the sentence. if I click it it just gives me the name of the adapter. 3) intel wireless wifi link 4965AGN The first and third ones say they are connected and firewalled. I believe that this last wireless 4965AGN is the one that has problems and gets repaired. I could be wrong about that. The LAN one I think has always been unconnected/unplugged. I don't know what that's for or if I need it. Is that my wired internet connection? Thanks. Lynn. PS - if I go through network devices and select update drivers, it only offered updated drivers for the intel 82566mm gigabit network connection. Is there any point in googling for updated driver if this route indicate no new drives exist?

Snidely, you are new around here?? The regular volunteers on this forum have helped me over the years, so many times, I can't begin to count. I remember coming here a long time ago when I wanted to learn how to cut/paste. I think a Google search brought me to this forum. I come here frequently with any question I might have because I trust the help I always receive. Everyone is so kind and gentle. I don't feel embarassed asking for help and I've always been given it by the wonderful people who give of their time, talents and skill for free. They work together with respect for one another, even if they have differing opinions. The Computer Forum is such a comfortable place to come with your questions and problems and always know these 'friends' will be there. I am so thankful for their help. "My words were more reflective of impatience than anything else, " This is not the place for impatience. The people who come here do not have your background with computers. We are mostly new computer users or older folks with limited computer skills. Please learn to put your impatience on hold. Take what Ravencajun has said to heart. Your rude responses will not work nor be tolerated. Learn to be part of a team or find somewhere else to go. Jane

zep516 - Now that you mention it I have at times (but not at the same time my laptop stopped working on the porch) had modem failures and comcast told me I probably needed to have it replaced. But it works fine for about three weeks and then goes down. So i've been lazy and haven't taken it in to swap it out. Comcast isn't my fav company to deal with. pkponder - I have wracked my brain and the only other thing that I know of that has changed is my ADT system got a trouble light a few weeks ago, maybe around the same time, but ADT told me that checking their records, they haven't had a signal from my home in a year... ADT is also not my favorite company since they continued to bill me. But the security system is wired not wireless, if that makes a difference. It is connected to my Comcast phone service though. mikie - Well, I do have an older, refurbished laptop so that could be possible. There is no way to check the internal reception, is there? And windows update has messed me up on other minor settings before. I will work on the things I have control over like the modem and the ethernet cable and see what happens. You guys (and gal) are awesome.