Laptop and Desktop setup question with Tivo

Hello:

I've submitted this question before (see topic IP address changes:why), but I don't know how to configure my laptop appropriately.

 

I have a Dell Dimension desktop 8300 and a Dell Inspiron laptop 9100 networked wirelessley with a Dell 1184 router.  The network name is "wireless" and I have set up file and printer sharing successfully.  The signal, however, is very weak from several parts of the house (desktop and router are upstairs, SW corner and laptop is frequently used in NE corner of the house). It accesses both internet and file sharing just fine, but very low signal. Address of laptop is 192.168.2.3

 

I also have Tivo which is in the NE corner of the house.  I have the Dell 1180 USB wirless adaptor connected to the Tivo. It had no signal when trying to set it up wirelessly.  It never recognized the "wireless" network that my laptop was accessing.

 

I purchased a Netgear wireless wall plugged ethernet bridge and wireless wall plugged range extender. 

 

Now Tivo has a very strong signal and recognizes the Netgear network.

When I have the laptop on, it still has the weak signal and it is "using" the "wirelss" network.  Files and internet still work fine, but no Tivo recognized nor does it get the stronger signal.

 

When I set the laptop up to "use" the Netgear wireless setup, the signal was excellent, but file sharing didn't work and the laptop address changed to 169.xxx.x.... 

 

How do I configure my laptop to use the Netgear wireless setup so I can take advantage of great signal strength as well as continue to share my files?

 

Also, will my Tivo recognize the laptop and vice versa.  I'd like my laptop, desktop and Tivo to all use the same network for internet access and file sharing.

 

Thanks for any help.