WiFi router not working properly?

[Square]

I've installed a Belkin WiFi router, and I have a bit of a problem. There is already a PC connected via ethernet, and the Belkin router I bought sits between the NTL Settop box and the PC. Now when I go to connect, the first PC has to be on for me to be able to get a connection.

I'm sure this isn't right, but being new to PCs, I haven't a clue what to do about it (I'm running Windows 2000, and the ethernet-connected PC is running XP).

[muddy]

how do you connect? through ethernet or wireless?

[Square]

I'm connecting wireless (54mbps).

[FelixofMars]

It sounds correct, I have a Broadband modem in place of the set-top box, have you spoofed/cloned you MAC address for your PC to your router (should be in the router wizard to do this, if it had one, or maybe in the router set-up program which is usally a web address.)

[tonyk100]

Couple of Questions I'd like to bolt on to this thread,

Wheres the best place to position a wireless router. I only live in end terrace but the routers practically on the upstairs landing and sitting in the lounge the signal strength is low on my laptop. Do the aerials do anything should the both point up even if the laptop is below them. The only time I get a good signal on the laptop is if I can see the router effectively surely that cant be right?

Are PCMCIA wireless cards better than built in recievers?

Is there an easy was to open emails/newsgroups using outlook 2002 on both computers wired lan desktop upstairs, roaming laptop. I tried Personal Outlook a 3rd party program but I don't know how to free port 2002 and get a RPC error server not found, and a Microsoft LDAP directory setting window when using outlook on the laptop.

I know some of you guys do this kind of stuff all day t work but it's like a foriegn language to the rest of us.

TIA