Just received the WRT54G router and wireless card from a friend...the router works, but I can't get the wireless to work without the original password, however my friend can't remember it. Since i have both pieces, can I clear the old info and setup a new network??

This is High Quality original LINKSYS AC Adapter Charger

Input Voltage: 100V-240VAC (50-60Hz)
Output Voltage: 12v1a

Model: AD12V/1A-SW

DC Plus Dimension: 5.0mmX2.1mm

Compatible Models:

WAG300N

WRT54G

WRT54GS

WRT300N

Linksys Routers

More information is needed about your setup.

Do you have:

cable modem <--> router <--> computer
and:
cable-telephone-box <---> telephone

or:

DSL-modem <--- VOIP adapter --> telephone
and VOIP adapter -> WAN port on WRT54G <--> computer

Please clarify.

Are you trying to set up router ?
You can set up your router manually, without the CD.
Make sure that your computer is able to go online directly through the modem.
If your computer is able to go online through the modem, that means the modem is working fine.
You will need to connect the computer to the router and the modem to the router.
open the set up page of the router and change the settings of the router according to the ISP.

Click Here for more information about the routers and network

Without the full model number, it is hard to know which is your exact one. Try the Linksys support page. It is very user friendly, and you should be able to download the start up procedures for your router. There is a tiny reset button you will most likely have to push with the head of a pencil or something, that will reset it to factory. It will be like you removed it from the box. Then follow the set up for your model number, and you should be up and running. Here is the support page. Good luck.
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/support/WRT54G-TM/download

Check your wireless card.
If you are using a desktop, make sure you are using a linksys brand wireless card.
If it is a laptop, it should work with almost all routers.

you don't receive a signal for LAN. If you are wanting to use a wireless router with a normal PC tower you have to have a wireless card installed and activated. IF it is installed then look at your instructions on activating the device. if you do not have a wireless card in your tower then you will have to purchase one or run a cable to the back of your router to your tower ( I use a T6 cable)

You can make the router working even without using the CD. Who is your ISP? Are you having concern with wired or wireless connection?

Try it wired first, if doesn't work its your basic configuration if it does try removing WEP and running unsecured. If you can connect focus on your WEP settings, if you can't connect focus on the antennae, hardware, and radio settings. If you connect without WEP and can't connect with, use the 64bit hex key it generates instead of your pass phrase. Many wireless cards have trouble using the passphrase.

think you have to connect a cable to the ethernet adapter of your desktop in order for you to connect to the wrt54g. uless you have a wireless lan on your desktop. also check your channels. and manually config your router through 192.168.1.1.......

If you use your original Win XP disks, there's a chance you now have XP SP1 (Service Pack 1). Make sure you've made all the necessary Windows Updates as working with WiFi networks was enhanced with XP SP2. Then you can try to find your wireless network and connect to it. If you had a secured network you'll need your previous network key (similar to a password, but without a username, the wireless key is needed to exchange data with the router) If you can't remember the settings on your Linksys you can reset it to factory settings with inserting something into the reset hole to press the hidden buton and holding it for several seconds until lights on the front flash. Then you HAVE to run the initial install procedure (find your CD and Quick Start sheet) because your router will be open and unsecured.