dbags- Just to be clear for you: 1. Right now your DSL goes from the wall to the DSL modem to your computer. 2. You will now modify the system by unplugging the cat5 cable from the back of your computer, and plugging it into the Linksys router; then you have a second cat5 cable that will go from the Linksys to the back of the existing computer. All you're doing is inserting the Linksys router so that it can take the signal from the DSL modem and split it up to more than one computer. All this should be very clearly described in the Linksys instructions, including the step-by-step sequence of installing the new router software and making the physical conections. Once this is completed, you will have the capability to connect up several more computers with cat5 cable and/or several wirelessly as well.

I was able to flush the dns on both the xp and vista laptops. But I still can't connect either laptop wirelessly to the "fmaily room" network (which is still unsecured). I cannot access the Nat,spi or firewall soI don't know if that's the problem. Both laptops show a strong signal (full bars) to the family room network - but don't connect. They do connect via wired connection (does this mean I have so far created a network switch). On both laptops I selected "family room" as the preferred network to connect to. But both connected to my Lynn network (from the opposite corner of the house - with only a weak signal). On the Vista laptop it says Windows cannot connect to "family room" - and when asked to connect to family room, it said "Windows association failed due to an unknown reason." When I selected "diagnose and repair, it said Windows did not find any problems with your Internet connection." Then I tried one further thing. I saw on the Vista laptop that it still listed the family room network as having WPA2 security - so i changed what the laptop had for listed for family room network to reflect no current security settings. Then I tried to connect again. It wouldn't connect. Then I clicked repair/diagnose - and it said "this network is marked as a "hidden" network and is either not in the range of this computer or the wireless settings saved on this computer do not match the settings of the network." It is in range of the network - 3 feet away and receiving a full strong signal. So perhaps the network settings do not match the router or access point (although I'm not sure where to look to check this since I think I set it all up to match). The other thing is says is "if you own or set up this network, reset your wireless router or access point and try connecting again." Should I try this? Does it mean unplugging SMC access point, linksys router and modem - waiting and replugging them in? If so, in what order? Or does this mean resetting the SMC completely and starting from scratch? So now what? Jane - I realize that Mikie's the guy - and I very much appreciate his help. Those links helped me get clearer on definitions, but don't really get specific enough to address these set up complications. Thank you. Lynn.

did you enter the keycode from your new wireless router into each of the laptops when trying to connect to your network? Each router has to be set up securely and it will have a new keycode for the new router, you should have made note of that info when you did the router install. Also be sure you reboot the laptop so that they can gain the new lease from the isp . I would try powering down everything in the network, all computers and unplug the power to the modem and router then power up in this sequence, (leave power off to all for 5 mins) power up your modem let it get lit up fully, then power up the router let it get lit up fully, then power up the main pc, then any other computers or laptops.

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.