Milt,
You don't need to hire a tech.. back up everything you need ( you're already doing that right ?). Then go in and re-install windows ( it will take it back to a new computer), re-install all your programs and back ups,, get a good anti-virus and spybot and you're good as new..did it a few weeks ago PITA but well worth it.
Plus while you're off line for a few hours, a bunch of us will start a thread entitled "things we'd like to say about Milt if you knew he couldn't comment":D:D

Before I do that, I'd like to just be able to scan available networks. Currently, Windows can't do anything thinking I have another program installed to configure connections. I'll be darned if I know or can find that program.

I just thought a pro could fix a few things like all the crap in the boot registry that I don't need running all the time in the background and this connection business.

Ok well then , there's a program called cross loop that is free and if there's someone online here ( I'm sure there is) you two could just download it and they can then take control of your computer and find that in a few seconds.. Do you have a dell ? If so I know with mine the program that manages the networks is a Dell utility and even though you've got the MS utility there, unless you specify it as the manager the Dell one takes over ( called Dell Wireless LAN utility)..

My wife re ran the 3 ft cable out under the desk and I seem to be up to 4600kbs dl. Who knows what's going on, but the connection is better, much better. Thanks for all the help. Alittle later, I'm going to uninstall the wireless and re install it. I think I can get control back that way and see if I'm on another network while she's on OUR router.

I'll add some security at the same time.

edit; Holy Smokes! I'm up to over 10,000 kps! I did nothing since my last post. I'm starting to get happy.

Milt

your wife's laptop probably has a builtin wifi card?

you are on a usb wifi dongle, with a usb extension cord


you don't need a tech, when all you need to do is ditch the usb extension cable
i'm telling you, those things are terrible

start by loosing that cable, and we can work from there


you edited...
probably the usb extension cord was getting interference from other cables.. usb cables aren't shielded