Wireless LAN Issue

I recently bought a Dell Inspiron 6000 (Win XP) laptop from a friend, and am having a confusing issue with the operation of the wireless network capability.

I have no errors/driver problems at all; the Intel wireless software tells me that I am connected to an unsecured/unencrypted network; IP address is present.

Thus far, I have surfed the internet a total of three times, and one of the three times, I surfed the 'net/downloaded material for two hours, with no problems. Yet, most times I cannot surf the net.

What makes this especially confusing, is that during one of the times I could not surf the 'net, Windows Media automatically downloaded the names of songs, to a CD I had just ripped.

Rebooting the laptop has had no effect on my ability to surf.

I drive for a living, and should I go over the road, I would like for this software to work properly.

I might not be able to reply back immediately, since internet access is a problem. In the meantime, I thank everyone in advance, for whatever suggestions you might offer !

 

Are you using the Intel Pro Wireless utility, or the native windows wireless utility? In my experience the native windows utility works better.

What kind of wireless setup do you have?

 

If WMP had opened it while you were online, I think it caches that kind of thing. Either that or the previous owner ripped the same CD at some point.