Going Wireless

bonelady

17 years ago

I have a desktop computer running Windows XP Home and am going to buy a Laptop. It will have Vista. My questions are:

Can I neetwork them with two operating systems or do I have have to upgrade my desktop?

How do I go wireless? I have a cable connection.

How do I get someone to do it for me?

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Comments (4)

jean001
17 years ago
The XP must have Service Pack 2 installed.

And also install the Microsoft hotfix for LLTD (Linked Layer Topology Discovery) on the XP. It's KB922120 and is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=4f01a31d-ee46-481e-ba11-37f485fa34ea&displayLang=en

Beyond that, the router and adapter, if any, must work with Vista. (Some older ones don't -- guess how I know.)

Here is a link that might be useful: KB922120 (LLTD) from Microsoft
kudzu9
17 years ago
You can use two different operating systems. If you don't have a wireless router (LinkSys, Belkin, Netgear, etc.) you will have to buy and install one. You plug your cable connection that now goes to your computer into the back of the new router, and run another wire (Cat 5) from the new router to the back of the computer. That will take care of your current connection. Then you need to setup the new laptop to receive the wireless signal. This is pretty easy if you have some technical knowledge, but, since you're asking basic questions, I'm presuming it might be a challenge for you. Get a friend who is a knowledgeable to help, or call up the company that makes your new router and have them walk you through it if you can't follow the instructions that will come with it. Also make sure that you have security set on the new router so the teenager down the block can't steal your signal and/or get into your system and mess up the info on your computers. If all of this sounds like too much of a challenge, you should be able to find a computer tech in the Yellow Pages who does this stuff for a fee. Good luck.
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grandms
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I knew absolutely nothing about setting up a wireless router when I got mine. Kudzu's instructions are good. I have the basic $39 Netgear wireless g router, and it came with a CD and good instructions that were easy to follow. If your laptop is new, it should have a built-in wireless card. Your manual will instruct how to turn that on or off. Just take your time and follow the instructions step-by-step. It's nice to be able to take the laptop anywhere in the house and use it. Good luck!
bonelady
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks everyone. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Have actually been on vacation and away from the office !

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Going Wireless

Comments (4)

jean001

kudzu9

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bonelady
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Comments (4)

jean001

kudzu9

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bonelady
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