If it says it's acquiring the network address, I assume that it's seeing the network and has made contact with the server, and there is some hiccup in getting the router to assign an address to the network card.

You know, I think I'll install a packet sniffer on my laptop so I can see where it's failing - if the router is not responding for the request for an address or not. I also didn't mention that I tried telling his laptop to not use DHCP, and then I gave it a valid IP address and gateway for the router. Then his laptop seemed to be fine (said it was connected, no errors), except still no network access (still couldn't ping the router).

So what's a good packet sniffer? OS X, preferably, but I also have XP and Linux (Fedora) on my MacBook. I'd prefer one that's GUI so its easier to filter, etc....

Is the XP laptop running SP1 or SP2? Some wireless security protocols won't work without SP2.

Is the XP laptop running SP1 or SP2? Some wireless security protocols won't work without SP2.

Good question. I don't know.

His laptop was working with a different wireless router (and a different security protocol). But that router sucks (it needs to be reset about once an hour) so his sister (who lives with him) bought a new router. Hmmm... maybe I should set up the new one exactly how the old one is.

I'm tempted to tell him his laptop sucks and he should get a new one (it's about three years old, I think, and rather sluggish). Anyway, I'll pass on all this info to him, and/or try to help him with it some more....

I've tried to organize this thing in a logical manner, but it's inevitable that some pages could go in two or three sections, but I don't want to repeat the same pages three times. I don't see any virtue in saying, "Nyahh, nyahh, the thing that might logically be here isn't and you have to guess again."

I've been having a lot of trouble with my laptop wireless, too.

The router craps out at home several times each evening, which is one thing.

The other thing is that I can't use any one else's wireless. I've tried several times recently and even though the connection says it's up, I can't get any access at all, not even the login for (for instance) the coffee shop's free wifi.

I assume these are two different problems, because my brother was visiting and complained about my router. So I suppose I should probably replace the router. But what do I do about my laptop?

I've tried to organize this thing in a logical manner,

There's your mistake. I hope it goes better tomorrow.

Hey techerinos!

I've got a new Dell. I only get Microsoft word for 90 days. What happens to my files when it expires?

I suspect the files stay in place but you can't read or use them unless you get Open Office or the MS Office beta.

awesome. thanks.

You can still read them (even without installing anything else). WordPad opens .doc files, though if you make changes, you'll have to save as .rtf files, as WordPad doesn't save in the .doc format.