internet connection setup in Network and Sharing Centre corrupt!

For a while neither the desktop pc and therefore the laptops could not connect to web; then for some reason the desktop could connect but the laptops with their wif-fi could not.

But with in the last few hours the laptops now see the network I set up and can connect to the web, I dont know why because I have not done anything new or different with the router, modem or my pc and thats disconcerting as it may just as easily stop connecting them.

I am still not satisfied about my connection, going by your last reply ibshaw you seem to think it looks 'normal' but its not how I had it setup 3 weeks ago! When this problem first occured, when I couldnt connect to the web at all, the network icon in the taskbar showed it was trying to connect to 'network 1', then 'network 2' and 'network 3', i'd only ever set up 1 network!

Any way to your last point, i did reset both router and modem as I said or thought i did, but checking my 'credential manager' folder just, I see those same settings appear, i.e there not settings i've applied.

any advice on that would be welcome, many thanks.

I am beginning to see what might be the problem - from your description of what is going on, it looks like your laptops may be picking up, and trying to connect to neighbouring wireless signals instead or your own and because these are generally weaker than yours they may work for a while then drop leaving you with no internet -a lot of folks run their wireless open (i.e. without encryption) so anyone could connect to it without a password.
As I am completely unfamiliar with your setup, there is always a means within the router or modem to automatically connect to your own wireless regardless what else it sees - this is normally as simple as a tick in a box somewhere, suggest you read your manual to find out how to do this. Also, quite important, is to set the connection to an "always on" connection - again somewhere you need to do this, normally setting the idle timeout to 0 (zero) meaning if you leave the computer and come back to it, it will immediately connect again. The latter will affect the wired connection too. As you stated in your first note, you are new to computers so if you can find out how to do these two things you should have a more stable connection.
PS - make sure you have encryption on with a recognised password thus minimizing the risk of intruders.

Good luck - I am here if you need further help.

sorry ibshaw for delay in reply,

desktop is ethernet, which has router to allow wireless, 3-4 weeks ago none would connect, then desktop could but wireless wouldnt work. 2 days ago wireless now works but I dont know why as I havent changed anything since last post which is disconcerting because wireless could just as easily stop connecting!! And I'm positive am not connecting to the internet as I was before the problem started, although i know you think it 'looks normal'.

I did reset the router and modem when you mentioned doing so, or at least I thought I had, just checking the 'credential manager', the setting havent changed.

if you have any advice let me know, many thanks.

You need to make sure that the information given to you by your ISP is what is currently in your router i.e. you usually get a list of recommended settings that
ensures your modem (or router, as mine is combined) works correctly. The minimum
given is usually a user name and password, but you can get a whole list of parameters
that ensures your connection to them is optimum - you can get this from any ISP's website or call them. My feeling is your setup is all screwed up and it really is difficult to tell you exactly why but from what you tell me, it never seems to work the same from day to day. Look at my last note and follow what I said and this should improve things.