I had to reinstall Windows XP Home Edition on my Compaq Presario. After reinstalling, I then reinstalled all Windows updates, including SP2. After the successful completion of these reinstallations, I can't get the laptop to connect to the desktop or to connect to the internet. (Before the reinstall, connection wasn't a problem). The connection is wi-fi though a Parkervision router. The desktop connects via a Comcast modem to the internet. The laptop "sees" the router and another connection in my neighborhood (looking at "View Wireless Networks"). However, I cannot ping the router from the laptop. I cannot ping the desktop from the laptop, and vice versa. I cannot "see" the laptop in the Network Neighborhood and vice versa. I can ping the laptop on the laptop. I've turned off all firewalls and encryption on the router. I've rebooted numerous times. I've powered down the router (though I can't believe that's the problem). I've deleted and reinstated Exceptions for the laptop in the desktop firewall, even though the firewall is off. Though this seems like a firewall problem, it beats me. I'm stymied. Chris

Forget ping. Don't use that. Use two tools. One the the help and support pages on network diagnostics. The other tool is the command line command ipconfig /all I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you goober.

XP SP2 automatically enables the Windows Firewall by default. However it doesn't usually configure the client correctly to work with a LAN. Check to make sure the firewall ON THE CLIENT is disabled. You can re-enable it later with the correct settings under the Security menu.