That router isn't going to work, unless you are getting DSL or cable soon I would suggest you return.

Does your desktop have a modem in it?

What OS is it running?

Does it have a 10/100 NIC card (LAN)?

Is your wireless 802.11B or 802.11G in the laptop?

I would setup my desktop with the modem to the internet (internet sharing enabled) with crossover ethernet cable to a plain old access point.

The laptop going wireless with a default gateway of the desktop NIC's ip address.

Of course this will depend on your responses to the above questions.

Hi there. I have an internal modem and Windows XP. The computer's a Compaq Presario 6000. It does have an ethernet hook up in back but I don't know if it has a NIC card, though. I just bought one at the store to install. The laptop is equipped with 802.11B. When you say cross over ethernet cable to a plain access point, what does that mean? I saw something on Amazon that's called a Wi Flyer that sounds like it might work. Should I just give up on the router I have now? Thank you so much for all your help.

WOW thats pretty cool, looks like exactly what you need. I can't guess how eary or hard it is to configure and you may need to add a wireless card to the desktop (maybe not...)

For everyone else looking, here is a link http://www.alwaysonwireless.com/wiflyer.html

FYI your ethernet is commonly called a NIC, LAN, or 10/100 card.

A cross-over cable is normally a Cat 5 cable with pins 1-3 and 2-6 crossed over. It is used to connect two pc's without a hub, or in this case a pc and a wireless access point.

An access point just serves as wireless media, think of it as a piece of cable that a bunch of pc's can hook to. The router you have has alot of intelligence built into it, can be confusing to people who don't do much networking.

I say send back the router you have and try the wiflyer. Worst case you will have to send it back and drop another post here and I/anyone can help you with the hook up and settings.

If it works the wiflyer would be a much cleaner approach to your problem.

I think I am posting at least three cents here... sorry about that. Good luck!

Thanks for all your help! I'll check out the Wi Flyer and see how it goes...