Laptop can tell you if router works

Q I tried to set up a new wireless router to work with a desktop PC and a laptop. Although I followed the installation instructions, I'm unable to reach the Internet on the desktop PC once it's connected to the router. I need to get online in order to set the addresses for the router. Any suggestions?

VERLAN EDWARDS, FRIDLEY

A Try using the laptop to connect (assuming it's Wi-Fi-enabled, as nearly all new laptops are). If that works, the router is functioning and your problem lies in the way you've connected the desktop and the router. The correct sequence is to connect your cable modem to the wireless router via an Ethernet cable (the one with what looks like a big telephone connector on the end). Then connect the wireless router to your two computers either by cable or wirelessly. If your desktop computer is near the router, connect the PC and the router with an Ethernet cable.

If none of this works, disconnect the router and plug your computer back into your cable modem. For an illustrated explanation of how to set up a wireless router, see www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx, or for a YouTube video about Linksys router installation, see www.youtube.com/watch?v=v SAXMO7aNzg.

Q I have some old home movies copied from videotape to DVD that I would like to edit for family members. How can I copy them to a PC hard drive for editing?

MARK FREY, EAGAN

A No copyright issues are involved in home video, so a number of commercial programs will copy your DVD movies to your PC and allow you to edit them. Nine programs that capture video from DVDs, which range in price from $54 to $100, are reviewed at video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com.

RONALD STOLPMAN, LAKEVILLE

A Most programs have a "preferences" or an "options" setting you can find by going through the headings at the top of the screen. In the case of Yahoo Messenger, you've been having this problem because its default setting is to open whenever you start your computer. To change that, click the "Messenger" heading in the program, and select "preferences." Under "when I start up my computer" make sure the box next to "automatically start Yahoo Messenger" is not checked.