I'm not sure if this is a hardware or software issue.  Moderators, if I've sent it to the wrong list, please let me know.)  My parents have a desktop and a laptop, both running Windows XP home edition.  My mom recently got DSL through AT & T and they decided to get a router and network the laptop so they can both be online simultaneously.  I know nothing about networks or routers, but I've been dragged in at this point.  They've spoken to AT &T, US Robotics (router) and Trendnet (wireless card for laptop).  

Here's the issue:  I installed the wireless card and software in the laptop.  When you try to connect you reach a point where it says "requires use of a network key."  What exactly is a network key?  We've tried to enter the router password and get this error message:
    "The network password needs to be 40bits or 104bits depending on your network configuration.  This can be entered as 5 or 13 digit ascii characters or 10 to 26 hexadecimal characters."

    Shouldn't the password be the same as the router password?  Can anyone clarify what goes here?  I have no experience with routers or networks.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Alana Nichols

               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
                 our special coffee mugs and mouse pads
              with the PCBUILD logo...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml