Hi, my intention is to connect comp1 to router via ethernet cable and comp2 via wireless, however comp2 can not see my router.

Equipment: comp1-XP Pro, comp2-XP Home, router-Belkin Wireless G (F5D7230-4), Vivanco WLAN USB (802.11 b/g), Virgin broadband cable

If I put the WLAN USB on comp2 it can not see my router, but can see other networks in the area (ssid's only)
If I put the WLAN USB on comp1 it can see my router (and connect to internet)

Tried (and failed): moving router next to comp2
Changing security settings (wpa, wep, none)
Changing channel numbers inc. auto

In router setup instructions it say to disable firewall but I forgot to do this when testing WLAN USB on comp1 and it still worked fine. However I thought I ought to follow the instructions to the letter but comp2 will not let me switch off its firewall. By firewall I mean XP sp2 firewall both compters have no others.

Comp2 is second hand from office where it was part of a network

Before anyone suggests permantly swapping the computers I have good reasons for wanting comp1 to use ethernet cable and comp2 wireless

Can it see the wireless at all ?
Check your IP settings on Comp2.

Hi Curlyben, first can I say (if it's not obvious) I'm fairly new to the internet etc, and so I'm not quite sure what you mean by "check your IP settings".
When the WLAN USB is plugged into comp2 I get a symbol in the taskbar, I click on it and a window opens "Wireless network connection" it gives a list of networks it can see but my router isn't there. If I put the WLAN USB into comp1 the list does include my router and I can connect through it.

OK thanks for responding.

Now this maybe a case of too many obstructions between the router and comp2 as the wireless seems to be working.

Is it possible for you to try the USB WiFi on an extension to try and reduce the amount of building in the way ?

Hi, tried that, put the router next to comp2 and it still couldn't see it, and I then left the router next to comp2 and put the WLAN USB on to comp1 and it could see it so I don't think the walls/floor are causing problems

Hmmm very odd.

Admittedly this is one of the reasons I don't like using USB for networking, but as it sees other networks there's obviously something else.

Is Comp2 fully patched and updated ?

Not sure about updates, the comp belonged to a friend's company who closed an office. Comp sat about for several months, I mentioned my daughters comp had died and he offered me one. It would be possible to move comp2 two to the internet cionnection so I could temporarily connect through ethernet cable but that would be a lot of hassle, I was hoping I could just change some settings

Well fire up Windows Updates for starters.
Can you possible upgrade it to XP Pro ?

First, just realized I haven't thanked you for trying to help, so thanks.
Can't update unless I move comp1 to my flat (comp2=daughts comp which is in their flat, I live in flat below ex and kids), this would be awkward but if I have to then so be it. But it's too late tonight

Been re-readimg posts and realized you suggested puing the usb on an extension, I have tried that using a 1 metre (3ft) USB extension, this increased the number of neighbours networks comp1 could see but still not my router.
As for upgrading comp1 from XP home to pro, I would rather not give Bill Gates any more money not to mention all the stuff the girls already have on their machine

Can you do a couple of favors?

Go to the command prompt and type "ipconfig /renew"

Then "ipconfig /all" on both computers and post the results.

"clear" will erase the window.

In order to copy this information you need to right click on the bar at the top, select EDIT and then select MARK.

Then right-click, select EDIT and then SELECT ALL.

Then it the <Enter> key.

You can then use Control-V to paste the results.

If the copy/paste doesn't work, we might have to do some configuring. You might need to set Properties/Quick edit and check both boxes.

Hi, first I'm sorry for disappearing, ended up in hospital (broken leg).
Solved the problem by replacing USB dongle with a pci card, all working perfectly.
Thank you to all who tried to help esp. Curlyben for the info about USB dongles being *&%@%$.
Cheers