New Laptop

Barewolf · 12-12-2006, 14:09

My Dads gone and bought my Mum a Laptop and he bought a Router as well. As My PC Upstairs is the one that is connected to Broadband I could use some help as to what I need to do on Xmas Morning.

1) I plug in the router what do i connect to it? What happens with my NTL Modem?

2) When i set up the Router correctly do i change anything on "MY" Pc to allow my Mums Laptop to share Broadband? If so What?

3) Assuming i have done 1 and 2 correctly do i need to set anything up on her Laptop? Or will she be able to Surf the Net straight away?

4) Can i send Files from my PC to her Laptop Downstairs without wires or is that madness? IE Send a Movie Clip.

5) Is there anything else I need to know? This is new territory for me and i dont want to screw either machine up sorting it out Xmas morning, Or loose my Broadband messing around.

MovedGoalPosts · 12-12-2006, 14:20

Is the new laptop / router wired or wireless - I'm suspecting the latter. Is the router cable compatible (doesn't have an ADSL modem built in).

Basic setup should be simple: Power off current modem, and PC. ethernet cable between modem and router (WAN). Ethernet between Router (LAN) and PC. Power on modem, then router, then PC. Should all work seamlessly, unless you've previously playing with the PC's network settings such that they don't autodetect the network addresses.

Setup wireless only once you have wired connection going. If presented with a choice, make sure you use infrastructure mode to enable file sharing between wired and wireless stuff.

Realistically it's a case of following the router's instructions.

Barewolf · 12-12-2006, 18:06

yeah its wireless. theres a router which is like a Modem. and theres another bit with it, i dont know where you place it but its like a transmitter or reciever. Best way to discribe it is if i had a Base station cordless phone and then i had a second phone, if that makes sense?

12-12-2006, 18:19

Is it definately a router for a cable modem? The other thing that comes with it is most likely a usb wireless receiver this will be for the laptop unless that has wireless built in,You will need to power cycle everything as stated above by Rob then you will need to browse the router set up web pages (RTFM)and turn wireless on and set up security use wpa pre shared key and set a password .Then on the laptop,if wireless is built in right click on wireless icon and open the utility search for router connect and add passowrd .If it does not install software for wireless adapter and connect that then follow above steps

Test it while there out make sure you have the right kit and make sure your not leaving it till the last minute. Best tackle file sharing later

MovedGoalPosts · 12-12-2006, 18:43

Of course if you post the exact models of the bit's you've got we can give you more precise advice. Depends if you think the pressie recipient is likely to find this thread before the big day I suppose

micken · 12-12-2006, 20:41

Hi Barewolf. Before you unplug anything do yourself a favour and download the free trial of NetworkMagic from http://www.networkmagic.com. This will help you set up your network once it's all connected properly.

You need to provide details of the hardware to the forum so that folks can check that it's all compatible in order to avoid disappointments on Xmas Day.

Best regards and Happy Xmas.

Mick