Im having problems installing my netgear wireless router????

I have the same setup.. do look at the directions and follow them but the jest of it is that you will install the software on your desktop then connect it to the router via ethernet cable.

BUT.. read the instructions, there is a particular order that Netgear wants you to set it up.

If you have cable:

Wall jack -> cable modem -> router

Router -> ethernet cable to pc

You do need to have an wireless card in your laptop or you can buy a USB plugin card.

And always use a password to protect your network.

There should be a wired port, either USB or ethernet or both that is used to manage the router operation. Like set it up and configure WEP, etc.

You want to designate your desktop with the wired port as the management device anyway since I believe that is the default gateway for access to the initial default password setup etc.

That's the way my netgear router works anyway.The wired ports are in the back.

There should be RJ-45 ports on the router, use a network cable to plug there, and to the back of your Desktop.