Linksys wrt54g - windows me and xp

[sampd5]

I have just bought a wireless router for my desktop and i have also purchased a laptop with centrino technology (all this done purchased very recently). I am trying to establish and internet connection on my laptop using the centrino technology.

first of all, my desktop computer uses windows ME. I have ran the ethernet cable from my cable modem to the internet outlet on the back of the linksys wrt54g. i have then ran another ethernet cable to the ethernet port on my desktop.

at this point, i am certain all is well. i am able to connect to the internet with this setup. i have not configured anything on the desktop computer. it is able to connect just with what i have done.

now comes the fun part.

i have a dell laptop with centrino technology and runs windows XP that i want to utilize the wireless side of things so i may roam around the house and utilize the desktops cable internet connection with my laptop.

the problem is the laptop is receiving a signal from the wireless router. but when i double click on internet explorer, i get the typical error message "the page cannot be displayed" as though there is no internet connection.

The "wireless network connection status" located in the lower left on my taskbar shows speed at 11.0 mbps and the status as "connected". it also says "signal strength: excellent".

also, in the lower left on my taskbar is the icon "intel(r) pro/wireless LAN 2100 3A Mini PCI Adapter: excellent". When i double click on it, it shows an excellent signal quality and gives speed as 11mbps.

basically from what i can see, it is recieving a connection, yet i cant get a webpage to be displayed. i figure that it is most likely not configured right. i have tried disabling my firewalls to see if that was what was blocking the connection but it wasnt. if anyone can help, i would appreciate it. i am very very very new to networking obviously so i would appreciate it if you could give instructions in laymens terms. thanks

[sampd5]

i need to add that when i mentioned that the ethernet cable ran from the modem to the internet connection port on the back of the router, i meant to say that the other ethernet cord ran from the first of 4 ports on the back of the router to my desktops ethernet port.

[cszeto]

You pretty much answered your own situation. Try connecting up your router correctly to the high speed modem first, modem to the Internet or WAN port of the router.

Any reason that you have it hooked up the way you do? In its current configuration, you might just be limited to one IP from your ISP and that could explain why you are stuck in your current situation.

[sampd5]

it was a matter of simply configuring it properly...........i knew i was close cuz everything else was working right.

[cszeto]

Linksys Support is pretty poor, but their manuals and configuration guides are usually pretty good with pictures to where everything plugs into each other...