Wifi prob - wont pickup router but PDA does!
 

Laptops wifi doesn't work so bought a usb dongle, works ok with router and desktop PC

Now, need to use the laptop without the desktop PC running, just the wifi router
The laptop doesn't pickup the router without the desktop pc connected (usually by ethernet) but my PDA does!

How do I get the laptop to pickup the router without the PC on?

check if the the laptop is running on the sam IP address range of the router. Then goto "Start -> Run", type in "cmd". Now a black screen should come up type in "ping" followed by a space and the ip of the router. This way you would be able to see if the laptop is connected to the router, if not most probably the laptop is blocking it.