Some laptops have a wifi switch on the front or side that needs switched on for its wifi to work. Some have a combination of keys to presses to turn on its wireless. Some its just on if you dont have a network cable plugged in.

When in wifi mode, windows by default opens a connection window showing available wireless connections and you would choose your routers name... then windows will ask for the Passphrase or Security key,, which you need to make the connection. Usuallly.

If you can see wifi connections and dont have the secret key....
You might try connecting your laptop to the network cable that normally connects to your desktop.

That should give you access to log into the wireless router where you will find the secret security key or passphrase that you need to access the wifi/router wirelessly with the laptop.

Unless of course you have that passphrase or security key written down.

Logging into most routers , the url is ... http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1
If the router hasnt had the login/password set try leaving it blank,,,, or using admin as the login... sometimes admin is the password too. Maybe you know its login/password ?

... there could be some other configurations too... but without being there its hard to say. The above is the standard for most people. Thats about all I can think of anyways.

Thanks -- but will all this work if the PC is not there? There is one cable (a gray one -- ethernet??) that ran from the wireless router into the PC and I had to unplug it to take the PC to the repair shop. What do I do about that cable??

The cable is just there doing nothing. The wireless router is a combination wireless/wired router, so if you have something that plugs in, use the wire, if not, use the wireless.

Some companies restrict wireless access on their laptops, so you may not have the option of enabling it if you have it. It may also have a wired connection in it. If so, it would look like a telephone jack, but slightly bigger. You could plug the wire that used to go to the PC in and use it that way.

What type of laptop are you using and what model. That info would go along way to helping

The laptop is a Compaq. It is definitely wireless enabled. Ironically, I will be getting a replacement laptop this afternoon as the contract on this one has run out.

Yes, I suppose I could plug the cable into the laptop and skip the wireless feature altogether. That might be easiest.

I sure hope I get my PC back soon. I can't believe how dependant I have become on it.

I appreciate your help and advice.