My laptop was wireless until the at&t guy left after installing 2wire now im stuck like a desk top only as far as the cat5 allows me (3 ft.)lol. can you help?

If your laptop has no built in wifi, a USB receiver can access nearby (wireless capable) routers or router/modems. Otherwise a CAT5 cable can hardwire your computer or laptop to a DSL modem. CAT5 is a little wider than telephone connectors. Then install drivers (and make sure the modem is compatible with your providers requirements, they are not all the same.)

the pc you are trying to connect to wirelessly will need to be allowed in the router you are accessing.
check you router instruction set to set up wireless devices.

Does the older Dell have a wireless radio?

If not, you'll have to use an ethernet cable to the 2wire router or buy a wireless USB card for about $35 or less for the old Dell. I'm assuming you are running XP SP2 or higher system.

326 feet is a max run for cat5/cat5e cable. You would need a repeater for runs longer than that. Wireless will not work properly either without a singal repeater. You could look for outdoor repeaters and run a drop line to the 2 building but this will be costly

You can manually go into the network settings and delete the old network configuration, and set up a new one. If all else fails, go to your desktop (which I am assuming connects OK) and check the settings on it, and use those to set up the laptop. Hope this helps

The number that corresponds to the wireless password/key code is the one inside the brackets on the bottom of the 2wire on the sticker.

You can save on a USB flash drive and then install on the PC.

You don't need to connect your netgear, you have only to connect your computer to the 2Wire (is wireless also) - If your computer ins not wireless Only you have to do is insert a wireless PCI card in your computer or and USB wireless device and connect to the 2Wire Wireless Router

The modern laptop and Wii will be no problem. Windows 98 will work but it can be much trickier to set up.

Parts needed
1 x Wireless Router - You can pick up a 2WIRE Router from around £20 on eBay
3 x Wireless LAN Network Adaptors - Around £20 each.

Firstly, the Router. This bit connects to your telephone line and broadcasts your broadband signal by radio and allows several computers to use one service. When you buy a router make sure it includes installation software. You can install routers without, but it's a whole lot easier if you have it.

Next you need to be able to receive the broadband radio signal on your computers and Wii.To receive the signal you need Wireless LAN Network Adaptors on each device. Network Adaptors also have software, which allows you to install the drivers needed.

Your laptop may already have a wireless adaptor built in.
You can check this by clicking
Start\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\Communications\Network Connections
Then see if a Wireless adaptor is present. If it isn't, you can install one inside the laptop by buying a laptop wireless network card. Easier, is to buy a USB Wireless LAN Network Adaptor which just plugs in to a USB socket on the laptop.

Look for LAN Network adaptors that are suitable for the Wii and a separate one suitable for Windows 98. Most will be ok for the laptop.

Install the router first. just do what the software tells you, then install the LAN adaptor drivers on each device you want networked.

Finally, make sure you secure your router signal. That stops the guy next door using your network and offers some security from hackers. Your router will include a firewall and you can set up a key code that your adaptors will need before they can connect. Unless the guy next door has the key, he won't be able to use
your network and play your MP3s...hoorah!
Follow the instructions given in the software to set up a WPA or WEP security key.

Great fun, you'll love it if you can get it all going.

1. Connection of phone line, ethernet and power adapter
2. Indicator light: POWER: green; Ethernet: blink; DSL: green; Internet: blink or red
3. Open IE browser.
4. address: 192.168.1.254
5. Click "Run System Setup Wizard"
6. Log-in with preset password: admin. Or change password: click "I forgot the password." Under question "Here’s a hint for the password wedding date", click "I still can’t remember the password.". Then Reset System Password by enter System Key which locate on back of the Router (like: [1234567890]), and your new password, then click "Submit"
7."Set Up Your 2700HG-B Gateway" screen. Keep default "Key Code". Click "Next"
8. "Time Zone". Select your time zone,then click "NEXT"
9. "Set Up Connection Info". Enter "PPP Authentication" information provided by internet service provider. "Username", "Password", and "Confirm Password", then click "NEXT"
10. Screen "Connecting" running...
11. Auto turn to screen "2700HG-B Gateway Setup Complete", click "FINISH", or "EXIT" to complete setup or "Register" to register with 2WIRE on line.
For a more detailed first time install no software needed check this link:
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/14083
Enjoy!
please vote...