my son did a clean install of XP from original disk, because we were unable to repair it. Now, it doesn't show any internet connection at all. He has a wireless router.I haven't checked to see what else doesn't work or show up. What other things do we need to do to get his computer running like it did when we got it?

You need to install the driver for one or all of network, modem, sound, video and chipset. You can get them from the manufacturers web site.

If you provide the make and model number we can help get you to the right web page to download from. If it's a Dell provide the Service Tag number as well.

Thanks, we got it all working again!!

can you tell me how to check the security of my router? My son has wireless upstairs and I have router downstairs, internet is really slow and I noticed the router internet lights blinking like crazy the other night when our computers were off. We both have windows XP and my computer is in the kitchen. My son has given up xbox live because things are so slow!! HELP:9

You say your son has Wireless upstairs. How is it connected to the internet.

Where is the Cable or DSL modem located that provides you internet access?

In any case, it's possible one or more of your neighbors are using the wireless connection without your knowledge or approval, which could definitely slow things down, though I would not expect this to be an all the time thing.

There is a lot of good information at practicallynetworked.com on networking in general and wireless specifically.

You definitely want to turn on encryption (WPA/WPA2) on the wireless router. As a test though, what happens if you turn off the upstairs wireless router? Does the network activity drop? On my Cable connected wireless router (encrypted) the Internet light is flashing all the time, whether any of my computers are on or not.

my son has a wireless router and I have the wired box for internet on my computer downstairs. Even with his router off the wireless light blinks all the time.

I know that's normal though I can't tell you exactly why. I do know your internet access is shared with many other house holds and that traffic is reflected through the modem to your router, but that's as far as it goes unless it's specifically addressed to your computer IP address.

Hopefully one of the other network savvy folks here can provide better information or a pointer to where we can read up on it.

thanks for all your help i"ll keep looking into it.