I have 3 laptops connected by wireless Netgear, but all of a sudden they LOST connectivity.  How do I fix this so they connect again?  We need more INFORMATION than this.  Operating Systems? when did this happen? how old is the router?  download anything recently? any power outtages lately>?Oh sorry,  All 3 laptops are running windows XP, my daughter plays games on one of the laptops from like pbskids.org or nickjr.com or something, not the regular store bought games.  So maybe something was downloaded from there. 

The router is approx 11 months old.  As to power outtages, yes there has been one recently, but I dont think that is the cause because there have been power outtages before but the wireless still stayed working.

 Reset the router by turning it off or unplugging it for 30 seconds or more...
When you re-connect it wait at least 2 minutes to try to logon...

If this doesn't work Post back for some other things to try.I already did the unplugging, waiting 30 sec,  and then replugging, no dice, it doesnt work.  What are all the other steps I should try
Go to Start/Run and open a Command Prompt window...
Once there type in ipconfig /release and hit Enter...
Then type in ipconfig /renew and hit Enter.

If this does not solve it type in ipconfig /all and hit Enter and post the results here...I did that and I got it to work properly.  I am wondering about one thing.  When is it necessary to manually set an IP address, an when is it necessary to set the DNS entry, and what does setting a DNS do?
Check with your provider...most ISP's use a static IP address which means you don't set it because it is assigned each time you logon...
DNS should be set to retrieve automatically.yes i know there is an option to set the ip address automatically which also sets the dns automatically, but there is also an option to set the ip address and the dns manually.  what do setting these manually do
Ruin your connection if your ISP assigns IP ADDRESSES statically...okay but then Ive heard sometimes that you need to assign static IP addresses.  What is the meaning of doing that, I mean how that different from LETTING the ISP decide your IP.  And when you set your IP address to a static one, then it becomes possible to change your DNS.  What does chan GING your DNS do?
I don't understand the question or what you have heard...can you quote a source ? ?