Connecting a Router to Desktop

AngelxOxBabiie · 08-21-2009, 06:37 PM

I have little knowledge with computers, so if you offer support please go step by step - thank you so much in advance.

This is the second router I bought because I thought the first one was broken, but it seems to be a problem on my end. The current router is a Belkin N 150 Enhanced Wireless Router (had Netgear previously).

Both times I followed the step by step directions provided by the company on how to set up the routers and both times the setup failed. The LAN ports on the router do not light up (on the Belkin it's the "wired" light). I've checked to make sure I have everything set up correctly (I do). It seems to be a problem with the connection between my computer and the router. I tried different cables and that did not solve the problem. My internet connects fine when it's connected directly to the modem, so why will it not connect to the router?

I have Windows XP if that matters any - thank you in advance.

polishpaul · 08-23-2009, 08:04 AM

OK, what are the steps you took? Be precise. Are you connecting via wire or wireless?

I'm assuming the cable from the modem to the router is connected to the "WAN" port on the router? Once you plug the cable from your PC to the router, no lights light up? Anything on your network card? any lights near the port or front of router?

Also, when you do connect your PC to your router, try disabling, then enabling your internet connection. Control panel -> Network Connections -> Local area network (may be different on your PC), right click on it, disable, then enable. This will tell the PC to acquire an IP again.

AngelxOxBabiie · 08-23-2009, 09:52 PM

Connecting via wire to hook up the router to my desktop. I took the steps given by Belkin in the Quick Installation Guide to be done before using the Setup Assistant CD, which includes 1) unplug modem's power supply 2) unplug cable connecting computer and modem from modem and into the port on the router 3) connecting the new cable to the router and modem 4) plug in modem's power supply 5) plug in router's power supply .

It says "lights will come on; recheck your connections if the 'router' and the 'wired' lights are not a steady green after 20 seconds" - the light that says "wired" (the connection between the router and the computer) does not come on at all. The other lights that symbolize the other connections do come on and show as working conrrectly.

polishpaul · 08-24-2009, 12:42 AM

OK, i just found the manual for your router. So the light on the router "wired" is not lighting up. Is the "modem" light on?

I want to make sure your network card is installed. Go to Control Panel -> Network Connections

Tell me what entries you see there.

Also, in the command prompt (start -> run -> type in cmd, hit enter) type in:
ipconfig /all
notice there's a space after ipconfig.

select all of the output (may have to enlarge window) and paste here. You may have to right click to select "mark" then highlight all of the text and hit ENTER to copy. Paste the results here for me to see.

btw, if you get lost and you're not sure how to do something, go to google.com and type in something like "how to copy from command prompt" or "using ipconfig" or anything else that you're having trouble with. There are usually tons of tutorials online that give you step by step instructions.

AngelxOxBabiie · 08-24-2009, 10:17 AM

Yes the modem light does come on and stays green.

Under Control Panel > Network Connections there is:
- 1394 Connection
- Local Area Connection

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Dena>ipconfig /all

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : millie-z82uahag
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : Yes
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : hsd1.nj.comcast.net.

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : hsd1.nj.comcast.net.
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/1000 CT Network Connect
ion
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0C-6E-D9-A2-E5
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.45.126.159
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.254.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 68.45.126.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.87.64.16
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.87.64.150
68.87.75.198
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Monday, August 24, 2009 12:16:23 PM
Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Thursday, August 27, 2009 5:43:02 AM

polishpaul · 08-24-2009, 10:35 AM

Ok, local area connection is what we're looking for - shows that a network card is present.

when you did ipconfig /all did you do it while connected to the internet? Is that from another computer? It shows a PC connected to the internet. Or is that while you're connected to the modem directly?

I'm looking for ipconfig /all from the PC that's not being able to connect to the internet... that is your problem right? Once you connect it to the router you have no internet? Do ipconfig /all then and paste it in.

If you right click on the Local Area Connection -> properties -> select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the properties button. Are the settings there set to automatic?

But what's strange is that the router is not picking up the connection to your network card... Is there more than 1 network card/jack in your PC? Are you able to connect directly to the modem and get to the internet?

I know these questions are a bit scattered all over, but please try to answer them all :P

AngelxOxBabiie · 08-25-2009, 10:10 AM

Yes I did it while connected to the internet - oops! Sorry.
This is what it says while it's not connected (and the router is hooked up & on):

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Dena>ipconfig /all

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : millie-z82uahag
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : Yes
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/1000 CT Network Connect
ion
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0C-6E-D9-A2-E5

Local Area Connection -> properties -> select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
- Yes those settings are set for automatic.

There's only 1 network card in my PC - yes I can connect to the internet while it's connected straight to the modem. When the router is introduced it won't connect. I'm 110% positive my setup is correct too - I've double checked it and also had my brother check it for me.

polishpaul · 08-25-2009, 10:54 AM

Ok, so the problem here is definitely your router. I'd try a different network cable, try a different port on the router. Is that a brand new router? have you tried resetting the router?

ii. Restoring the Factory Defaults
Press and hold the “reset” button for at least 10 seconds, then release
it. The lights on the Router will momentarily flash. The “router” light will
begin to blink. When the “router” light becomes solid again, the restore
is complete.

Also, when you plug in the network cable to the router and your PC, what status lights are lit up on the network card? Are there any status lights in near the port on the router? Try to see what is written next to these lights and specify if steady on or blinking.

AngelxOxBabiie · 08-25-2009, 01:51 PM

Well I had the same problem with the Netgear router I previously purchased (but returned because I thought it was faulty) - but it had the same problem so I'm thinking it's my computer and not the router. I've also tried to use different cords and still no-go.

I know when I'm plugged straight into the modem, there seems to be two lights that are green or yellow where the cord plugs into the computer (and the card I guess?) - I don't really pay attention to it much. But when the router's plugged in and on there is no light on whatsoever - is that the light you're referring to? Should I take the cover of my computer off to take a look at it?

polishpaul · 08-26-2009, 07:23 AM

That's the light. One should be Activity/Link meaning a hard-ware link is established (not necessarily that you have an internet connection) or if its blinking, it shows activity. The other light usually indicates the connection speed.

I highly doubt that your PC is faulty since it connects to the modem just fine.

Maybe try the same cable you use to connect to the modem, and connect it just to the router. Forget for now the modem-to-router connection. You should be able to at least have a PC-to-router connection.

Did you reset the router? Try other ports?

How about trying this with another PC? This would tell us if the router keeps being bad, or if there's something specific with your PC. Try this test as it would confirm some theories.

I'd also try to contact their customer support center.

AngelxOxBabiie · 08-27-2009, 05:08 PM

Okay yehh, normally there's a green one on and a yellow one blinking. Or at least at this moment there is haha.

If I connect just the PC to router with that cord, just the "router" light comes on, but still not the "wired" light.

Yes I reset the router & tried other ports - no-go.

I'll have to see if I can get someone to let me try the router on their PC.
I'll also try to contact Belkin. Thanks!

AngelxOxBabiie · 08-30-2009, 04:11 PM

Okay, I finally got my laptop back from a friend and so I tried setting up the router with the laptop. That worked, I can be on the laptop, iPod Touches, and PS3 with our secured wireless.

But now, the desktop computer does not have internet connection at all (since the plugs are all in the router). So there's no wired hookup. How can I set up the computer to connect to the router wirelessly? Is that possible? I was reading a help article provided by their help feature, and it said to go to Network Connections and click on the wireless icon, then click Available Wireless Connections. I do not see an icon or anything of that sort? I have Windows XP on the desktop. If I could get that to connect wirelessly then I wouldn't have anymore internet issues. =)

AngelxOxBabiie · 08-30-2009, 04:15 PM

I'm assuming I would have to purchase something to be able to unlock this? What exactly would I have to purchase? Thanks. =)

AngelxOxBabiie · 08-30-2009, 07:47 PM

Okay I tried to do some research on it and I've came up with some type of conclusion but I have no idea if it's anywhere near correct.. if you could revise any of this that would be cool.

The wireless is set up and works. But the router still does not connect to the desktop, therefore leaving my desktop internet-less. I read that most desktops don't come with an internal wireless hookup and that I would have to buy an adapter (which I found on WalMart that matches my router for $40). But, I also saw that you could buy a Belkin Network Card at KMart, for $15. I know I already have a network card and understand that's one of the cards in my desktop, but I'm wondering if maybe it's either a faulty card or it doesn't support my belkin router (is that possible?) This particular card is a Belkin product, would that solve my problem? Is it worth a shot? Or am I completely off and am supposed to go with the adapter?

polishpaul · 08-31-2009, 05:21 AM

Were you able to setup the laptop with a wired connection? If that worked, then we must look further into your PC. Perhaps the NIC (network interface card) is busted after all... A quick test would be to buy a new one, install it, install drivers for it and try it out that way. If its still not it, i suppose its returnable.

For wireless, you can simply buy a wireless NIC, which i would recommend over a USB adapter, unless you don't want to fiddle with the insides of your PC. This would give you connectivity to your router wirelessly.

The brand of network cards is not relevant. They all talk the same standardized language (TCP/IP protocol plus others) or simply speaking, its an ethernet standard.

also, i don't understand this statement:
But now, the desktop computer does not have internet connection at all (since the plugs are all in the router).

AngelxOxBabiie · 08-31-2009, 11:54 PM

Yes I was able to set up the router to the laptop with a wired connection, but now I can connect wirelessly to it.

Thanks for the information/help!

I'm not sure what I meant? lol The wired connection between the router and desktop doesn't work and so I would have to purchase something to allow a wireless connection. I know the adapter shouldn't be necessary as the wired connection should work but at this point I'm tired of arguing with it haha. Thanks again!

08-21-2009, 06:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
AngelxOxBabiie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 OS: Windows XP	Connecting a Router to Desktop I have little knowledge with computers, so if you offer support please go step by step - thank you so much in advance. This is the second router I bought because I thought the first one was broken, but it seems to be a problem on my end. The current router is a Belkin N 150 Enhanced Wireless Router (had Netgear previously). Both times I followed the step by step directions provided by the company on how to set up the routers and both times the setup failed. The LAN ports on the router do not light up (on the Belkin it's the "wired" light). I've checked to make sure I have everything set up correctly (I do). It seems to be a problem with the connection between my computer and the router. I tried different cables and that did not solve the problem. My internet connects fine when it's connected directly to the modem, so why will it not connect to the router? I have Windows XP if that matters any - thank you in advance.

08-23-2009, 08:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
polishpaul Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Warsaw, Poland / Newark, DE USA Posts: 152 OS: WIN: XP, XP64, Vista64, Server 2003, Server 2008, 95 (for old games). Linux: vaious flavors	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop OK, what are the steps you took? Be precise. Are you connecting via wire or wireless? I'm assuming the cable from the modem to the router is connected to the "WAN" port on the router? Once you plug the cable from your PC to the router, no lights light up? Anything on your network card? any lights near the port or front of router? Also, when you do connect your PC to your router, try disabling, then enabling your internet connection. Control panel -> Network Connections -> Local area network (may be different on your PC), right click on it, disable, then enable. This will tell the PC to acquire an IP again.

08-23-2009, 09:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
AngelxOxBabiie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 OS: Windows XP	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Connecting via wire to hook up the router to my desktop. I took the steps given by Belkin in the Quick Installation Guide to be done before using the Setup Assistant CD, which includes 1) unplug modem's power supply 2) unplug cable connecting computer and modem from modem and into the port on the router 3) connecting the new cable to the router and modem 4) plug in modem's power supply 5) plug in router's power supply . It says "lights will come on; recheck your connections if the 'router' and the 'wired' lights are not a steady green after 20 seconds" - the light that says "wired" (the connection between the router and the computer) does not come on at all. The other lights that symbolize the other connections do come on and show as working conrrectly.

08-24-2009, 12:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
polishpaul Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Warsaw, Poland / Newark, DE USA Posts: 152 OS: WIN: XP, XP64, Vista64, Server 2003, Server 2008, 95 (for old games). Linux: vaious flavors	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop OK, i just found the manual for your router. So the light on the router "wired" is not lighting up. Is the "modem" light on? I want to make sure your network card is installed. Go to Control Panel -> Network Connections Tell me what entries you see there. Also, in the command prompt (start -> run -> type in cmd, hit enter) type in: ipconfig /all notice there's a space after ipconfig. select all of the output (may have to enlarge window) and paste here. You may have to right click to select "mark" then highlight all of the text and hit ENTER to copy. Paste the results here for me to see. btw, if you get lost and you're not sure how to do something, go to google.com and type in something like "how to copy from command prompt" or "using ipconfig" or anything else that you're having trouble with. There are usually tons of tutorials online that give you step by step instructions.

08-24-2009, 10:17 AM	#5 (permalink)
AngelxOxBabiie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 OS: Windows XP	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Yes the modem light does come on and stays green. Under Control Panel > Network Connections there is: - 1394 Connection - Local Area Connection Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600] (C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp. C:\Documents and Settings\Dena>ipconfig /all Windows IP Configuration Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : millie-z82uahag Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . : Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : Yes WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : hsd1.nj.comcast.net. Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection: Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : hsd1.nj.comcast.net. Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/1000 CT Network Connect ion Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0C-6E-D9-A2-E5 Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.45.126.159 Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.254.0 Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 68.45.126.1 DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.87.64.16 DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.87.64.150 68.87.75.198 Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Monday, August 24, 2009 12:16:23 PM Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Thursday, August 27, 2009 5:43:02 AM

08-24-2009, 10:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
polishpaul Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Warsaw, Poland / Newark, DE USA Posts: 152 OS: WIN: XP, XP64, Vista64, Server 2003, Server 2008, 95 (for old games). Linux: vaious flavors	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Ok, local area connection is what we're looking for - shows that a network card is present. when you did ipconfig /all did you do it while connected to the internet? Is that from another computer? It shows a PC connected to the internet. Or is that while you're connected to the modem directly? I'm looking for ipconfig /all from the PC that's not being able to connect to the internet... that is your problem right? Once you connect it to the router you have no internet? Do ipconfig /all then and paste it in. If you right click on the Local Area Connection -> properties -> select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the properties button. Are the settings there set to automatic? But what's strange is that the router is not picking up the connection to your network card... Is there more than 1 network card/jack in your PC? Are you able to connect directly to the modem and get to the internet? I know these questions are a bit scattered all over, but please try to answer them all :P Last edited by polishpaul; 08-24-2009 at 10:37 AM.

08-25-2009, 10:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
AngelxOxBabiie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 OS: Windows XP	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Yes I did it while connected to the internet - oops! Sorry. This is what it says while it's not connected (and the router is hooked up & on): Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600] (C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp. C:\Documents and Settings\Dena>ipconfig /all Windows IP Configuration Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : millie-z82uahag Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . : Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : Yes WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection: Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/1000 CT Network Connect ion Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0C-6E-D9-A2-E5 Local Area Connection -> properties -> select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) - Yes those settings are set for automatic. There's only 1 network card in my PC - yes I can connect to the internet while it's connected straight to the modem. When the router is introduced it won't connect. I'm 110% positive my setup is correct too - I've double checked it and also had my brother check it for me.

08-25-2009, 10:54 AM	#8 (permalink)
polishpaul Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Warsaw, Poland / Newark, DE USA Posts: 152 OS: WIN: XP, XP64, Vista64, Server 2003, Server 2008, 95 (for old games). Linux: vaious flavors	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Ok, so the problem here is definitely your router. I'd try a different network cable, try a different port on the router. Is that a brand new router? have you tried resetting the router? ii. Restoring the Factory Defaults Press and hold the “reset” button for at least 10 seconds, then release it. The lights on the Router will momentarily flash. The “router” light will begin to blink. When the “router” light becomes solid again, the restore is complete. Also, when you plug in the network cable to the router and your PC, what status lights are lit up on the network card? Are there any status lights in near the port on the router? Try to see what is written next to these lights and specify if steady on or blinking.

08-25-2009, 01:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
AngelxOxBabiie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 OS: Windows XP	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Well I had the same problem with the Netgear router I previously purchased (but returned because I thought it was faulty) - but it had the same problem so I'm thinking it's my computer and not the router. I've also tried to use different cords and still no-go. I know when I'm plugged straight into the modem, there seems to be two lights that are green or yellow where the cord plugs into the computer (and the card I guess?) - I don't really pay attention to it much. But when the router's plugged in and on there is no light on whatsoever - is that the light you're referring to? Should I take the cover of my computer off to take a look at it?

08-26-2009, 07:23 AM	#10 (permalink)
polishpaul Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Warsaw, Poland / Newark, DE USA Posts: 152 OS: WIN: XP, XP64, Vista64, Server 2003, Server 2008, 95 (for old games). Linux: vaious flavors	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop That's the light. One should be Activity/Link meaning a hard-ware link is established (not necessarily that you have an internet connection) or if its blinking, it shows activity. The other light usually indicates the connection speed. I highly doubt that your PC is faulty since it connects to the modem just fine. Maybe try the same cable you use to connect to the modem, and connect it just to the router. Forget for now the modem-to-router connection. You should be able to at least have a PC-to-router connection. Did you reset the router? Try other ports? How about trying this with another PC? This would tell us if the router keeps being bad, or if there's something specific with your PC. Try this test as it would confirm some theories. I'd also try to contact their customer support center.

08-27-2009, 05:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
AngelxOxBabiie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 OS: Windows XP	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Okay yehh, normally there's a green one on and a yellow one blinking. Or at least at this moment there is haha. If I connect just the PC to router with that cord, just the "router" light comes on, but still not the "wired" light. Yes I reset the router & tried other ports - no-go. I'll have to see if I can get someone to let me try the router on their PC. I'll also try to contact Belkin. Thanks!

08-30-2009, 04:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
AngelxOxBabiie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 OS: Windows XP	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Okay, I finally got my laptop back from a friend and so I tried setting up the router with the laptop. That worked, I can be on the laptop, iPod Touches, and PS3 with our secured wireless. But now, the desktop computer does not have internet connection at all (since the plugs are all in the router). So there's no wired hookup. How can I set up the computer to connect to the router wirelessly? Is that possible? I was reading a help article provided by their help feature, and it said to go to Network Connections and click on the wireless icon, then click Available Wireless Connections. I do not see an icon or anything of that sort? I have Windows XP on the desktop. If I could get that to connect wirelessly then I wouldn't have anymore internet issues. =)

08-30-2009, 04:15 PM	#13 (permalink)
AngelxOxBabiie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 OS: Windows XP	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop I'm assuming I would have to purchase something to be able to unlock this? What exactly would I have to purchase? Thanks. =)

08-30-2009, 07:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
AngelxOxBabiie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 OS: Windows XP	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Okay I tried to do some research on it and I've came up with some type of conclusion but I have no idea if it's anywhere near correct.. if you could revise any of this that would be cool. The wireless is set up and works. But the router still does not connect to the desktop, therefore leaving my desktop internet-less. I read that most desktops don't come with an internal wireless hookup and that I would have to buy an adapter (which I found on WalMart that matches my router for $40). But, I also saw that you could buy a Belkin Network Card at KMart, for $15. I know I already have a network card and understand that's one of the cards in my desktop, but I'm wondering if maybe it's either a faulty card or it doesn't support my belkin router (is that possible?) This particular card is a Belkin product, would that solve my problem? Is it worth a shot? Or am I completely off and am supposed to go with the adapter?

08-31-2009, 05:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
polishpaul Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Warsaw, Poland / Newark, DE USA Posts: 152 OS: WIN: XP, XP64, Vista64, Server 2003, Server 2008, 95 (for old games). Linux: vaious flavors	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Were you able to setup the laptop with a wired connection? If that worked, then we must look further into your PC. Perhaps the NIC (network interface card) is busted after all... A quick test would be to buy a new one, install it, install drivers for it and try it out that way. If its still not it, i suppose its returnable. For wireless, you can simply buy a wireless NIC, which i would recommend over a USB adapter, unless you don't want to fiddle with the insides of your PC. This would give you connectivity to your router wirelessly. The brand of network cards is not relevant. They all talk the same standardized language (TCP/IP protocol plus others) or simply speaking, its an ethernet standard. also, i don't understand this statement: But now, the desktop computer does not have internet connection at all (since the plugs are all in the router).

08-31-2009, 11:54 PM	#16 (permalink)
AngelxOxBabiie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 OS: Windows XP	Re: Connecting a Router to Desktop Yes I was able to set up the router to the laptop with a wired connection, but now I can connect wirelessly to it. Thanks for the information/help! I'm not sure what I meant? lol The wired connection between the router and desktop doesn't work and so I would have to purchase something to allow a wireless connection. I know the adapter shouldn't be necessary as the wired connection should work but at this point I'm tired of arguing with it haha. Thanks again!