My computer is not picking up router downstairs?

By "length" do you actually mean distance between wireless adapter and router or do you mean length of ethernet cable ?

If it's a wireless issue, try to optimise your reception and avoid interference.

1) raise the router above furniture level
2) Experiment with channels (some will work better or worse depending on your environment)
3) If you can detect strong neighbouring wifi, use a channel 5 stops away from strongest.
4) Relocate cordless phone base or video sender etc.
5) Be prepared to move the computer (or at least turn it so your body is not between the router signal and the wireless adapter's antenna.

how would i go about changing 'channels'? sorry! i'm not very good with this sort of thing.

You need the literature which came with the router - or download the manual from CD (?) or from maker's website.

Connect the computer to the router with an ethernet cable.
See the literature which came with your router for how to access the user setup screens in the router, IP address to enter in your browser address bar and for username (usually admin) and password into setup screens.

Once in go to wireless settings.

the computer is quite far away from the router, it would be extremely difficult to run an ethernet cable to it  
i will try to obtain the information from the person who had my PC before hand
thanks for your help  

Disconnect the router and take it to the computer ?


The maker's name and model number should be on the router, their support site should have the manual available as a pdf.

oh right, thank you!