Thanks, Raven. I'm sure he's behind on lots of stuff. Early in 2009, I had him change his update settings to notify him of updates, but not automatically download. That was to hold off on sp1 (at a time when I think I read here that folks were having trouble with it - but I didn't follow that topic, so didn't realize sp1 had become a good idea and that sp2 followed). We also set it that way bc. his computer was automatically updating and then rebooting when he was in the middle of doing other things. So this was to allow him to time his own downloads and installations. But he just never thought of it - and I didn't think I needed to keep track for him. I do keep track of his Avast, superantispyware, malwarebyte and spywareblaster. Every now and then when he's done surfing I have him leave out the laptop and go ahead and update and scan. I'll have to keep track of more than that, obviously. I got foxit reader on my ancient laptop in my office and love it. It takes so little room and does what I need quickly. Do you like pdf-xchange viewer more than foxit reader? Or does he need to use firefox to use foxit reader? I installed firefox for him - and set up tabs with the places he likes to go (did that in the summer) - but he hasn't used it. He's a bit resistant to tech changes. He balked when I got Tivo's - although he loves it now. He's a musician - and I got him Protools so he could record the music he wrote. That was over 1 1/2 years ago - and he hasn't learned it yet - he's barely scratched the surface. Last spring he bought an Imac bc. it was better for recording music. And now he's finally setting up his den and equipment. I'm hoping he'll actually learn the software this year. I'll take care of the rest for him so the only learning curve he has is Protools (certainly the most challenging of them all). But I digress. I'll check his other updates and run Secunia - I'm pretty sure I already put that on his computer last year. Thanks. Lynn.

there are 2 different passwords not sure which you mean but I think you are meaning you forgot the password to access your wireless network that is different than the password for the router, the one for the router is the one that lets you access the inner settings of your router. Those are all extremely important and should be written down and kept somewhere safe, the one's for both the router and wireless network can be written on a piece of paper and taped to the router on the bottom or side not blocking the vents. There is a free program you can use to gain your passwords, you have to use it from one of the computers that is actively on the wireless network. It may trigger your antivirus program and say it is an infection it is not, it is just the type of file it has to use to get access to your passwords, it will only work on your pc for your passwords only. Usually it is better to use it with the AV turned off so you do not get the warning, once you have your passwords then go to add remove programs and remove the programs you should not need them again and of course turn on the AV. this one is the one that will find your wireless network passwords WirelessKeyView Frequently Asked Questions info about the programs

I disabled the firewall. I also found a previous thread that described essentially the same problem. However, it was finally solved by installing Vista updates. Right now, I have no way of getting on-line. I also ran a Network diagnostic that says: "This computer has the following default gateway entry 0.0.0.0" "There is no default gateway entry" "Redirecting user to support call" Is there anyway to get updates without being connected? Here is a link that might be useful: Earlier thread

Ha, no other takers. Try the following. First, I'll assume the two PCs have distinct names and are connected to a router (any combination of WIFI, ethernet or both). Also I assume both have the needed drivers installed for the printer. Pick one PC to be "home base". Connect the printer to it and then install the printer as a network printer as follows: Control Panel Printers and Faxes Add a Printer (Printer Wizard Starts) Next Choose "A network printer or a printer attached to another computer" - Then Next Choose - Browse for a Printer - Then Next You'll See the printer, highlight it. Next Choose yes to "Do you want this as default printer" Done. STOP HERE Before leaving this PC, go back to the Printers and Faxes page under COntrol Panel, Highlight the printer you just added, click on Share This Printer, then give it a name and then OK. Go to the Second PC, repeat all the same steps. When doing Browse for a Printer, you'll see the printer on the other PC, choose that and continue until you reach STOP HERE. You should now have a networked printer. If I goofed something up or it doesn't work, I'm sure you'll let me know. Good luck.