Since you now have a cable between the cable modem and your existing computer, you should disconnect it from the existing computer and hook it up to the router instead. If you still desire internet access for the existing computer, run an identical type of cable between the existing computer and the router. The laptop will use wireless so no more cables for it. Try to place the router in a location where its signal is not hindered by other objects that could block it or interfere. Then provide power to the router and you are good to go. Follow the set up instructions from the router manufacturer next. Call the router manufacturer's support hotline if you have questions or problems. Examples of object that could cause interference are microwave units and cordless phones that use the 2.4GHz bandwidth (for example, 5.8GHz phones do not cause problems). Solution: I switched all of mine cordless phones from 2.4 to 5.8 several years ago. This is not a problem with corded phones. The routers come in 'flavors' called classes: A, B, G, N for example. Each letter has had improvements over the previous one (more range, more speed). The newest is N, sometimes referred to as 'N-draft' or 'draft N' as well. Each letter version is downwards compatible to earlier lettered versions. Thus a G laptop will work on a N Router and vice-versa. A N router does this, for example, by lowering the speed it normally uses down to the speed used by the G laptops. If you use G and N laptops at the same time, the router will only transmit using G thus slightly slowing things down for the N laptop users. However, when most people buy new laptops, they get around this by matching upgraing old equipment to the router letter when/if possible. So for example, if the router uses "N" then try to use a "N" laptop and upgrade G laptops to N. You do not have any laptops so... you do not have to do this. The N Version is technically a "draft" version because the IEEE Organization (who governs the standards for transmission) has not adopted a final N version yet. It should not be a hassle when they do but some people may prefer to wait to buy the final draft N; I am not sure if you are one of those persons so I mention this as a fyi. I have different brands of G and N Laptops at home using the Belkin N Router and the mixture has not been an issue. At work they also use N in nonsecure locations with multiple devices and it has not been an issue either. Technically, it 'could' be a problem if the final N Version turns out radically different than the draft but you would expect IEEE not to cause such a stir and you would expect them to suggest that router manufacturers provide software upgrades for draft N Routers to compensate if there were a possibility of such problems.

Zep - I have 3 devices in my network list: 1) 1394 net adapter 2)intel 82566mm gigabit network connection (this one I was able to get an updated driver - but on my network connections, it still shows as local area connection - "network cable unplugged,fire..." and I'm not able to click that and get the rest of the sentence. if I click it it just gives me the name of the adapter. 3) intel wireless wifi link 4965AGN The first and third ones say they are connected and firewalled. I believe that this last wireless 4965AGN is the one that has problems and gets repaired. I could be wrong about that. The LAN one I think has always been unconnected/unplugged. I don't know what that's for or if I need it. Is that my wired internet connection? Thanks. Lynn. PS - if I go through network devices and select update drivers, it only offered updated drivers for the intel 82566mm gigabit network connection. Is there any point in googling for updated driver if this route indicate no new drives exist?

Not sure about the Lexmark, but the wireless HP's have a Network Setup Wizard that is accessed from the front of the printer that works similarly to Windows. You set up an Ad Hoc (without router) network and seek the available networks...it finds the nearest, you select your network (his laptop) and finish. Much easier than it sounds. There should be step by step instructions with screenshots on the CD or in the paper manual. Pam

I print from my laptop wirelessly through a desktop. If your desktop doesn't see the printer, chances are neither will the network. But you can try. Is everything networked now for file and print sharing ? Make sure plug and play is enabled on the computers, and maybe also in the router , then Start/Settings/Printers & add a printer to the laptop... it will search and find the printers just as if it were connected directly to the laptop. You may have to install the printer software on the laptop too, but most likely windows has a driver for it already, but will not have any of the gingerbread software.