There are universal wireless repeaters that you can purchase.  That's what I have done at my brother's house several years ago.  But now not I do not like having a specific device for one function only :)

Last year I experimented in replacing existing router firmware with the open source dd-wrt firmware (dd-wrt.com).  It has specific versions for different routers.  Basically it replaces the router's firmware and gives it advanced features such as universal repeater and repeater bridge functionality; and increasing transmission power, and encryption which is what you are looking  to do.

I've used this on several Linksys WRT54GL routers and even on a Belkin Wireless repeater device.  The MAC address filtering does not seem to work in repeater or repeater bridge mode but the WEP/WPA encryption schemes will work.  

If you go the dd-wrt method please see if your router model and version number is supported, then read faq, forums carefully since you are essentially replacing the manufacturer firmware (invalidating the warranty) and have the potential to "brick" the router.

You can also ask me some questions before you proceed, since I'll also be updating the dd-wrt version at my parent's house when I go on holiday next week.

patrick

Try to isolate whether the issue is with:

1. Your media - try another DVD brand or image with Nero but at a slower speed to match the rating on your DVD media.

2. Your Nero burning software - try Imgburn or Infrarecorder.  If those work then you can use those OR try to reinstall Nero.  I see you've tried CDBurnerXP but others are worth a shot.

3. If the 1 & 2 above  have been eliminated then, the DVD drivers is next.  Check your computer manufacturer's website or maybe your machine has a "applications and driver" cd that you can reinstall the DVD drivers.

4. Previous Windows restore point?

5. Do an image restore from your image backup OR reinstall?

I would try first slowing down the burn speed to match the rated speed of your DVD media rather than using the optimum or maximum setting on the burning software.

I recently purchased a new Acer laptop which I immediately had to get repaired since the touchpad was erring out.  But at that point I was able to use DVD to create image backups.  Acer fixed the touchpad issue by replacing the motherboard.

But when I got my machine back, and tried to create new drive images, it was showing errors specifically on validation.  Spent about 10 DVDs that are now coasters.  The errors were occurring when I use Acer's image utility, Windows owen image utility, and my 3rd party image utility software.  So I was almost convinced it was DVD driver / firmware not compatible with new replacement motherboard.

So as a last resort, I slowed down the burn speed since the bulk DVDs I got handed down was about 4 years old.  So far I've been able to image and validate using DVDs several times.

Despite what we see on the AVG 7.5 Free pop-up ending support as of end of May, it seems like AVG has extended support until the end of the year (12/31/2008).  See relevant sticky thread post on their forum:

http://freeforum.avg.com/list.php?1

So at least it gives us more time to explore alternatives.  Currently I'm trying Avast Home on one of my laptops.  Will keep AVG 7.5 Free on the other machines to see if the updates really happen after the end of May.