Call your ISP's tech support department.

Did you set it up yourself - especially the security? Our network is setup to be very secure. It will not let you on unless it knows the MAC address (nothing to do with Apple products - media access control address) of your device - even if you put the password in correctly it still will not connect unless it's been told you are approved.

No, it came ready configured from my ISP.

Thanks Kudzu...will do that when they re-open after the holiday break. Not much point having a Computer Help Forum, then?

Or

Try right clicking on the network Icon down by the clock and choose troubleshoot. What does it say ?

Unfortunately I don't know a ton about PC network setup.. we're a Mac (the Apple product this time) household.. but see if you can find your network security settings. Articles like this one might help you figure out where to start at least. - https://www.cnet.com/how-to/home-networking-explained-part-6-keep-your-network-secure/

Here's another one about netgear security settings in particular, but some more specific searching might be in order for your specific router...

http://kb.netgear.com/13112/How-to-configure-Access-Control-or-MAC-Filtering-Smart-Wizard-routers?cid=wmt_netgear_organic

shaxhome-

Sometimes the Computer Help Forum provides good, fast solutions. But network issues can be due to many factors, not all of which can be guessed at -- and some connection issues can derive from the particulars of who your ISP is and how the router interfaces with it, rather than a problem with your computer per se.

I'm not discouraging you from asking questions here. I just think you may get a faster answer and waste less time if you can get your ISP to help. My ISP is available 24/7. I'm a little surprised that your ISP is on holiday break, especially since the holidays are over.

Thanks, Zep and e p...have tried every troubleshooting option, all the Netgear tutorials etc. To be honest, it's all beyond me.

Kudzu...I called my ISP, and they're on skeleton staff. 2 guys I spoke with didn't have an answer. Hence my post here.

I reckon my solution is just a couple of clicks away, but I need a knowledgeable navigator...

The wireless Icon down by the clock on your laptop

When you right click on it and choose Troubleshoot what does it say ?

Oh, Joy! Just had a call from the ISP supervisor in Philippines, and after 20 minutes of TeamView, they discovered that initial local installer had connected modem to router in wrong ports! Although I had cable internet for months, no Wifi. Now I have both.

All fixed!

You're welcome... ;-)

Yes, thank goodness he'd been listening in to my 2 previous calls there and decided to intercept my case!

Glad it's resolved. You got lucky.

...they discovered that initial local installer had connected modem to router in wrong ports!

I'm not a networking expert but that don't seem make any sense. I would think that if the modem was plugged into the wrong port on the router, then neither a wired or wireless connection would work. I might be more inclined to believe the original tech plugged the computer into the modem, bypassing the router completely.

In any case, I'm glad to hear things are up and running for you.