> > Your friend has a desktop PC and wants to add a laptop to the network, yes?
Yes,
>> First you should set up the router using a direct connection from the desktop PC,
Did that.
>> Connect the router to an ethernet port on the PC (I'm assuming it has one).
Yes, did that.
>> The PC should get its IP address from the router automatically, and then you can access the router setup screens and enter the logon details.
That is where the problem seems to be, sometimes it lets me in, but usually only after a System Restore.
>> That should be all that's necessary, and the internet should be accessible.
(famous last words)
>> You could now install the dongle and remove the direct ethernet connection, but it's really best to keep one machine directly connected to the router in case there are any wireless problems.
Agreed, there is no need to remove the ethernet cable as the main PC never gets moved.
>> If you really want to use the dongle, then it has to be installed, and presumably it came with a setup CD.
>> But personally I think they are horrible things, fraught with problems, and your friend would be better off flogging it.
Agreed, the dongle is surplus to requirements.
>> If the PC hasn't got an ethernet connection then I suggest that you spend a few more quid on a cheap network card.
>> It will be a lot less bother than the wireless dongle.
No problem there.
>> Having got things working with the desktop PC, you can then configure the wireless connection for the laptop.
Agreed. But I need to get the PC working first which is the problem.
>> Make sure that you set it up to use WPA encryption for security.
I will look at this later.
I have downloaded some instructions from the Netgear site, just have to wait and see how it turns out.
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I am also going to remove and replace the "BlackIce firewall" when I go there shortly, because I don't like it and it seems to have a mind of it's own, even when disconnected from startup in configsys it still pops-up from time-to-time.
Possibly one of the problems is that in the past she has let people "who know a LOT LESS than myself" on it to do "adjustments" and install programs, "most of which are games which are now time expired"
Again, thanks for the help, it is much appreciated and even though I thought it may have been myself, it now does not seem to be, as I have so-far done as it should have been done.
Let you know how it goes later.