My new desktop can't find my wireless network.

[Bigjohn]

I have a thumb sized LinkSys wireless USB connector that won't connect to the wireless router. I know the router works because I'm using it on my laptop.
I can't find a "connect" icon to allow me to input my password for the router.
What are the steps needed? (other than the concrete steps which will soon be making the acquaintance of the desktop?)

[SharonAnn]

If you go to the Control Panel there should be an icon for the Wireless Networking wizard.

[JohnnyCastaway]

what version of windows?
If it's XP, and you have a new USB card, you may have to load the drivers off the disk as Windows XP may not be aware of the new device.

[Bigjohn]

The computer and wireless connection worked fine in the store yesterday. Since I brought it home it will not work on my wireless router. I am password protected here, but there is not an icon to log on to the network and input the password.
I've tried the control panel, network set-up wizard, serial to serial transfer, reloading the driver, forming a network using flash device transfer and everything else possible. All I need is a place to input the password. I have a signal to the desktop, but it will not connect for security reasons. Nowhere to put the password.
The shop where I bought the desktop is closing Saturday and I'm working through till Sunday. They are not a lot of help.
I need to learn how to set up for others because when I rent out rooms to other Hydro workers, they will all have their own laptops.
Thanks,
John.

[JohnnyCastaway]

Vista or Xp?

[Bigjohn]

XP.
I've tried starting the comp and then plugging in the adapter, no luck.
When I try to add a network I'm told to run the install wizard. It says it is already installed and won't let me do anything else. I can see the wireless router icon and the computer icon with a line between them but there's a red X along the line. It tells me my signal strength is excellent - 5 bars - but won't connect or let me find a connect button.
I will need to let my son, (15 y.o.) play with it this weekend.
Thanks,
John.

[JohnnyCastaway]

if you click on the computer icon with the red x it should offer you a list of available wireless networks, and then yours should be on the list, highlight it, and click on connect and it should offer you place to enter your credentials there

[Bigjohn]

It is on the list. the only one. When I click on it I get the message that there is a security interruption and the computer cannot connect. No matter what I do, right click, double click, slap it, or swear at it, there is never a box to say connect.
My son will check it today.

[JohnnyCastaway]

ok, if you still can't get it working, do a "print screen" of the error message (on the keyboard theres a key that says PrtSc, hit that, it takes a snap shot of your screen and puts it in the clipboard, then you can paste it into a word document, or something similar.) and send it over, I'll have a look at it.

[Bigjohn]

I would need to send it by post. I can't get on the internet.

[Bigjohn]

It works! There was another program running and the adaptor was conflicted as to which one would work.
The comp. shop turned off tick marks and it works!
Thanks for your help.
John.