I have a home wireless network...2 laptops, one wireless printer and a Cradle point wireless router using USB wireless modem for internet access. I want to use the Win 7 laptop to access the Win XP laptop to remotely run only one program without the wireless modem connected. Is this possible?

There are two things that need clarification: 1) You want the Win 7 laptop to access the Win XP laptop when the wireless router is "down"? If so, you can still create an "ad-hoc" network between the two laptops. The wireless router is not required for this type of communication. You can also plug a cross-over network cable between the two computers as well. 2) What do you mean "remotely only run one program"? Do you want to use remote desktop to login into the Win XP computer? Does the XP computer have a file share with an executable in the folder that you want to execute? A service running on the XP machine (client/server application)? Visit: anITKB.com, an IT Knowledge Base.

I want to remotely access the XP laptop using the wireless network. The distance will be 150 feet. I have tested 3rd party applications but they seem to use a internet based server and are too slow. The use of a cable is not possible and Ad-Hoc distance is limited. The program I want to run controls a telescope and a CCD camera.

When you say "remotely access" and "internet based server and are too slow", it leads me to beleive that you are referring to a Remote Control type of access? You want to take remote control of the XP system and see what is running on the desktop of the XP system? If so, you may want to take a look at RealVNC. Its free and easy to install and use. You would install the server component on the XP system and the viewer on your Win 7 laptop. Here is more information about the product --> http://www.realvnc.com/products/free/4.1/winvncviewer.html Now, this remote conrol product is useless if you do not have network connectivity between the two systems. Since the wired option is out of the questionk, then you need to work on the wireless connectivity. If the distance is too great, you can either upgrade your wireless to "N", or just simply by a Wireless Extender. The extenders costs about $50-$100. I have one it and works great with regard to extending the wireless coverage in the home. Another networking option is Ethernet over the power lines in your home. I have not tried this option myself and I have heard mixed reviews on how well it works. The idea is that you can run ethernet over the existing electrical lines in your house. Visit: anITKB.com, an IT Knowledge Base.