Cable broadband between main computer and laptop

[patricc4u]

I have a HP base unit which has an Ethernet cable connection and a HP laptop with a similar connection. I also connect to the internet from my main computer through a BT Voyager 2110 wireless ADSL router, but not wirelessly(if there is such a word).
I have connected my laptop to the router via the said cable, but even though the sign in screen comes up on my laptop and I sign in the message tell me it cannot find the server.
What can I do now.
The BT Broadband icon is on the desk top of the laptop.
Do I need to have my main computer on or off when I try to connect on my laptop, or do I need a special connecting cable.
If possible I would like to start at the beginning of how to connect them together, and then I can find what I have done wrong. but it must be in simple language.
Both machines are Windows XP.

[fo3nix]

Is the wireless router connecting to everywhere with ethernet cables, i.e., no USB cables?

You should have a filter on your phone socket, then a phone cable to your router. Then, two ethernet cables from your router -- one to your computer and the other to your laptop. You should then use one of the computers to login to the router settings pages, something like 192.168.1.1 usually (check the instructions), and set it up with your ISP username and password.

[patricc4u]

Hi, Thanks for your answer, but since posting my question I have acquired an Edimax IEEE 802.11g Turbo mode Wireless LAN USB Adapter, which I have just installed on my laptop.
I will still connect my Desktop via Ethernet, and (hopefully) my laptop with the dongle, if I can figure out the latter connection, the instructions are written for an IT genius as far as I can see.
Any further help will be appreciated.

[fo3nix]

First get the router itself working from the desktop. Once that's working (i.e., you can get online), just goto your router settings pages again (the 192.168 things) and into the wireless setup. Make sure wireless is turned on, choose a name for the SSID (change it from 'BT' or whatever it may currently be to something you recognise (everyone can see it)), and turn on WPA encryption. Choose a password for the encryption and write it down.

Also, when you first goto the 192.168 pages you'll be prompted for a username and password, usually the username is 'admin' and the password blank, or something to that effect. Change that (in the setup pages somewhere too, once you've initially logged in), again to something random and write it down in a safe place.

Then once the internet is still working, plug the dongle into your laptop and switch on. Assuming you have Windows XP SP2, it should auto-detect it and if you go into control panel you'll find an icon called 'wireless setup' or similar. If you run that, it should search for available networks, and should find your one (have your laptop near the router at this point if possible); connect to that and enter your password when prompted, and you should be online!

[patricc4u]

Hi, Thank you for your help and instructions, which even I was able to follow, everything is now up and running.
What a brilliant idea this website is, the Helplines from manufacturers and suppliers are completely useless.
patricc4u