Dell laptop (XP) and Dell desktop (XP). Linksys router not hooked to any computer and sending wireless signal out. Desktop using a USB network adapter to get signal, laptop using built in wireless card. I cannot seem to get my laptop to see the desktop or the printer that is hooked to the desktop (thorough USB). I have tried every step I know from changing the names of the computers to the name of the network and also the name of the printer....I tried setting up a new network on both and that didn't work. I would try the wireless network but my router does not have a USB port. any suggestions that might make me say DUH???I should have know that....

can you ping the ip address of the other computer? Web Design Barrie And Barrie Web Hosting

So I tried to ping between computers and could not either way...so there lies my problem? I am unsure how my home network is supposed to work. Is it supposed to communicate off of the router or what? The desktop and laptop have different IP addresses (off by one number). Is that supposed to be correct? Both have a "wireless network connection" and both have a "local area connection" (which is disabled on both). Sorry for the many questions, but this has been bugging the crap out of me....thanks for any help!