I have an acer extensa 5620z and netgear dg834v5 modem/router. I can connect via ethernet, but even though i have set the router without security, the laptop detects the wireless network, but won't connect. Using 'diagnose and repair' results in being told the network is out of range even though the signal strength is at 5 bars and 'excellent'. I have no problem connecting to any other wifi networks in hotels etc. Any suggestions appreciated.

How to Set Up a Netgear WGR614 V5 Wireless Router
Netgear routers--like all wireless routers--give you the opportunity to access the Internet with your laptop or wireless-adapted computer from virtually anywhere in your house within range of the router's WiFi signal. Though slightly different in appearance from other router models by Netgear, the WGR614 V5 acts similar in its setup process as others such as the WGT624 or WNR1000 series routers.
Things You'll Need:
Netgear WGR615 V5 routerNetgear resource CDEthernet wireBlue network wireModemComputer
1 Prepare to install the Netgear router. Log off and shut down your computer system. Turn your Internet modem off and/or disconnect its power supply from the electrical outlet. Take out the contents of the Netgear router box and verify that all the essentials are present: the resource CD, the yellow wire and the router itself.
2 Connect the Internet modem to the Netgear WGR614 v5 router. Locate the yellow Ethernet wire running from one end of the Internet modem to the computer's Ethernet port. Unhook the computer-end of the Ethernet wire and insert this end into the port on the router labeled "Internet." After inserting, confirm that the wire runs from the modem to the router.
3 Connect the Netgear router to the computer. Grab the blue cable supplied with the router. Securely insert one end of the blue cable into one of the four "LAN" ports on the router (the "LAN" ports are labeled with numbers from 1 to 4). Insert the other end of the blue wire into your computer's Ethernet port.
4 Start your network devices. Turn on or connect your Internet modem to an electrical outlet. Wait for at least two minutes to allow the modem to fully boot. Plug the Netgear router into the wall or electrical outlet as well, and wait one to two minutes. Turn on your computer.
5 Look at the Netgear router to verify that all lights are on. The "power," "Internet" and "wireless" icon symbols on the front of the router should be solidly lit. One of the four "LAN" ports should also be lit with either a green or amber color.
6 Insert the resource CD that came with your Netgear router to launch the "welcome" screen. Select "Router Setup" from the menu to begin the "Smart Wizard" setup application. Read and follow the setup steps, including naming your SSID (secure set identifier) or "network name" and setting a level of wireless security. Finish the setup process, ending with the registration of your Netgear router.
7 Verify that your Netgear router has been set up correctly. Open an Internet browser from both the computer that is connected to the router and on a computer that has a wireless card or adapter. Surf to your favorite Internet sites to verify your connection is working. Open your "network connections" utility on your operating system and make sure it shows that you're connected to your own wireless network.

You can manually configure the time machine to accept wireless signal from the router or extender. If you setup WEP on the router or extender, make sure you setup WEP on the time machine as well.
For instructions in setting up wireless settings of Time Capsule click on this link -->>http://www.apple.com/timecapsule/wireless.html
Hope this works for you.

you'll have to first connect the computer to the dsl/cable modem via ethernet cable, then connect the modem to your computer directly, then access the configuration page of the router and set the wifi settings including security option (WPA, WPA2, WEP, Shared), then open the wifi adapter settings on your laptop and make sure the security option and security key are entered correctly. disconnect the ethernet cable from the laptop to the modem and test the connection.

You should have a manual/setup guide.
BUT, the basics of setting a wireless router are.

Connect an ethernet cable from your MODEM to the WAN port on the rear of the ROUTER.
Connect an ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports (usually 4) to your computer.
You now log on to your router via your web browser, set your wireless security (using WPA2) choose your password.
Save and exit from the router setup, disconnect the ethernet cable from your computer to the router and try and connect wirelessly
Your support page is here, choose which version of the router you have and download your manual
http://kb.netgear.com/app/products/family/a_id/1299

If you connect the computer to the router , it works.
That means the wired connection is OK.
Open the set up page of the router check the wireless settings of the router.
I think your network is secured and you are not typing the correct network key.
just open the router set up and check the wireless settings .
Click Here for step by step solution

When working with routers, CAT-5 cables are the more usual cable used. Your modem's Ethernet Port --- connect it via cable to the router's WAN input. Connect one of the router's LAN outputs to your computer's LAN input with another CAT-5 cable. Go through the appropriate Router Setup by putting http://192.168.1.1 into your Internet Explorer, with ' admin ' for User Name, and no password (just press Enter in Password frame). Once you are in to the router setup, you can select your Network Name (SSID) and then implement whatever Security you might want to use. You should be up and running by now, nhave lots of fun!

Can you pls confirm if you have cable or PPPoE connection. Also, please connect the modem directly to the computer and let me know the results:

A. Click on Start—Programs—Accessories—Command Prompt.
B. In Command Prompt window, type in 'ipconfig' and hit 'Enter'. Note down the IP Address, Subnet mask & Default Gateway here.
Once I have this information, it will be quite easy to configure the router.

I would enable WPA encryption and keep the MAC security on. Even though no other computers can connect due to the MAC security, without the encryption your network still looks wide open and it will tempt people to connect. At least if they see there is some sort of encryption on they will not even bother with trying to connect to it.

Just plug the cable modem ethernet into the input to your router and you will be fine. Just remember, if you decide you want to make any changes to your router settings through your browser, make sure you hook up an ethernet line from your laptop to the router before making any changes. The reason for this is if you make a change in security settings on your router while wireless, the router will reboot and if your laptop did have the settings changed in it, you can be locked out.
Not that you can't get back in, but it is a pain to have to do.