I'm using a netgear DG834gt router via a broadband connection.
My desktop is connected via cable to the router, and my laptop wirelessly. No probs with internet access, but it will not recognize my home network (named "MSHOME") my laptop sees itin the available network list but has a res cross thru it and the message "a network cable is unplugged" It won't allow me to use the delete option (greyed out) and start again. Is this something to do with the main computer beeing cabled and the laptop wireless oris it something else. Help!!

Hi Andy and welcome to D-A-L.

This is often an issue with firewalls, where your PC is not allowing your notebook's IP access. So for each computer on your network, you need to add the other computer IPs to the "Trusted Zone" of your firewall.

Also note it is a poor security practice to stick with default names. I recommend for each of your computers, you join "AndyNet" or the like. And if you stayed with the default settings (especially passwords) with your router and wireless access, your network is not secure.

Originally Posted by Digerati

Hi Andy and welcome to D-A-L.

This is often an issue with firewalls, where your PC is not allowing your notebook's IP access. So for each computer on your network, you need to add the other computer IPs to the "Trusted Zone" of your firewall.

Also note it is a poor security practice to stick with default names. I recommend for each of your computers, you join "AndyNet" or the like. And if you stayed with the default settings (especially passwords) with your router and wireless access, your network is not secure.

Have looked at this, but running norton it recognises both computers as beeing on the network and has their ip addresses as "trusted". i have heard in the past that there is a problem with netgear interacting with xp particularly with this router. still stuck but thanks for help and welcome note

Not just Netgear - accessing other networked computers is often hit or miss. Do you have sharing enabled? Some times it is best to ensure the exact same user name has an account on both systems.