I have a question for you guys that I need help with. I need to install a DSL modem, that will plugin to a router, that will broadcast the internet to a PC with a wireless network card. 1) I have the DSL modem plugged into the wireless router downstairs. The router is not connected to any computer. 2) The computer with the wireless network card is upstairs. I have an internal 3com ethernet card on this machine as well, and when I installed the software for the newly installed wireless network card, it only added a wireless protocol under my 3com device. I am not seeing a separate wireless network card listed in my device manager. Should there be? Questions: a) Do I need to have the router plugged into at least one computer for it to broadcast internet to a computer with a wireless network card? b) I've installed the wireless card software, the dsl modem software, and the router software. I did all automatic configuration for the router settings, along with the dsl modem software. Do I need to configure the router software manually with a static IP address or something for it to work? Thanks for any help! Windows 2000 1.8ghz 3com (don't remember exact model) internal network card Linksys router and wireless card.

First thing I would try is to take the computer into the same room with the wireless router and see if it gets a signal. (Various things in walls and floors can block the signal.) if it still does not get a signal I would access the setup on the wireless router to verify the wireless portion is enabled (sometimes labeled "radio"), broadcasting of the ssid is enabled and also to verify that no sort of security is setup. Get the systems working first, then setup security.

make sure in services, that windows zero config is set to auto and running

Feedback to question 2) Can you find the wireless adapter on Network Connections window (right click My Network Places and click on Properties) If not, most likely you didn't install the driver correctly..Try to reinstall it again with latest driver from manufacturer website. Feedback to question a) No, you don't have to.. The wireless network will work if you configure it correctly. Feedback to question b) Yep, you need to configure the router, such as WAN, LAN and wireless network settings. Take a look on how I configure Linksys wireless router here, might be helpful.. Hope helps..

Very nice website Picohat...good explanations...good info...