Following documents my difficulties in getting a new Inspiron 8600 running XP Pro to work with a DLink DI-624 wireless setup:

1. The Inspiron shipped with an internal TrueMobile wireless card. Using the TrueMobile card I was able to see my network on the list of available networks, but was not able to connect to any network resources. After spending well over an hour on the phone with Dell Support and attempting various configuration changes and fixes, it was determined that my TrueMobile card was likely not functioning properly and a new one was shipped.

2. I installed the new TrueMobile card, but the problems persisted. I checked the Windows Device Manager and the TrueMobile card does not even appear to be recognized or installed. I removed and reinstalled the TrueMobile card several times hoping to get it recognized, but never was able to.

3. I gave up on the TrueMobile card and decided to use my DLink wireless card which worked flawlessly on my old Inspiron 8200. If WEP is disabled, everything works fine. If I enable WEP (64-bit) it does not. I can still see my network on the list of available networks, but cannot connect to any network resources. I checked and re-entered the encryption key several times thinking I must have mis-entered it, but no luck. I even emailed my encryption key from the computer where it is set to the Inspiron and copied it in, but still no dice.

4. I am at my wits end with this situation. I refuse to use this Inspiron if I cannot enable WEP. If I can't be wireless I may as well have just purchased another desktop PC instead of a laptop and saved myself $1000.

Advice? I'll take anything I can get. I just don't have another two hours to spend on the phone with Dell Support.

Thanks in advance for any help.