Yes you absolutely can still connect the pc by use of the ethernet cable from the router and use the laptop wirelessly, that is how most usually do it since the desktop stays put. Mine is that way I have my router and cable modem on the end of my desk so easy access from there to my desktop computers so they are all connected by wire, my netbook and laptop are wireless, but even they can be connected by the ethernet cable should you need to. Before I had my wireless router I had a 25ft ethernet cable that ran from my desk on the baseboard to my recliner where I use my netbook. I buy a lot of my electronics from newegg and they do offer good prices and quick shipping. I also use buy.com quite a bit. You may want to check some of those in comparison to your local store. Also if you have a walmart check there they usually carry these kinds of items and for less. I got my wireless linksys router there. On the usb cards some come with a cord on them so the usb device can be moved around some on the desk which will help with reception sometimes. feel free to ask all you need we will try to answer. I too prefer to buy the same brands when possible it just helps sometimes for compatibility issues.

Sumerday you can get a network card anywhere quite reasonable. The link below is for Wintronic and they have stores in Stoney Creek and St. Catharines. I like the guys in the St. Catharines store, very helpful. But the Stoney Creek store seems less friendly and whilst I know what I am doing without help it is always nice to have comments made to aid you if needed.. The St. Catharines store is on Ontario St perhaps a mile south of the QEW. The Stoney Creek store is on the northwest corner of Centennial and Barton. If you go ahead and buy one it will come with a CD for the software. Installation is as simple as Bob notes above. Here is a link that might be useful: Network cards

Thanks Mikie for your response. My original disc was just Winidows XP Professional 32 Bit. When I switched to a disc I burned a few years back only slipstreaming SP-2 on the disc, it got rid of my BSOD. I also had to load the SATA drivers for the computer from the Dell Support site. My machine is up and running great.

Nope, don't have to press the start button. Just plug it in. We were thinking it might be a problem with the start button. The computer has sat for a while. But I think it was because of the problems it is having now. To my knowledge, I'm the only one to have been in the case. I checked all the cable connections. Everything is tight. There is a strange problem with the video signal. With the monitor cable unplugged, if I turn the monitor on, I get a message on the screen saying "No Signal." But if I plug the monitor into the computer and turn it all on, I just get a black screen. I mite try a different video card. I'll fiddle with it some more this evening. Pooh Bear