Something it sounds like ... If your Linksys has MAC authorization set,,, temporarily turn that off. Or put the new dell wifi mac in the allowed list. Hopefully if you understand 'Shared and Open' systems. Could be an oversight there too..

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.

Since you're daughter can connect to other networks, it doesn't appear to be a hardware problem with her laptop. And since hubby's laptop works, it doesn't appear to be a problem with the router (or wireless access point). She needs to be using the correct SSID and password. Remember that passwords are case sensitive. PASSWORD is not the same as password. I might also suggest temporarily disabling any security on the router and seeing if she can connect. If so, re-enable the security and go from there.

I suppose there could be an interference problem. I don't know the frequency band that your mouse uses, but did the problem start after you added a piece of electronic gear that uses electromagnetic waves, say a new cell phone, a portable house phone with base station, or a new server for internet use? Maybe a nearby neighbor has added a boost to his modem/server. Perchance do you have blue-tooth equipment running? Check your mouse instructions pamphlet. Does it have a choice of frequencies on which to operate? If so, try changing channels.