go to the intell site and download the latest driver for the card

This is page if you are running xp home...

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/filter_results.aspx?strTypes=all&ProductID=1637&OSFullName=Windows*+XP+Home+Edition&lang=eng&strOSs=45&submit=Go%21

Yeah, it's usually an issue with a corrupted Intel utility. Aside from the Intel website, you can also download it here, R155386. Better uninstall it from Add/Remove Programs before loading the downloaded version.

Thanks for the help so far.  I have now installed the latest drivers for the wireless adapter, but unfortunately this has had no effect on the problem.

Any other ideas? 

I experienced the exact same problem with  a NETGEAR Wireless Router (WPN824 v2) and Adapter (WPN111T) --  fixed it by un-installing all the NETGEAR software and hardware, and doing a complete re-install.

Also, if you're running WinXP HOME SP2 or SP3,  go to your Devise Manager and be SURE that you have not selected the option "Allow Windows to shut off this devise to save power" for any of your modems, routers, adapters, etc.

Good Luck !!

Peace.
Slik

Make sure you uninstall the previous software. If it's the same thing, how about enabling the Windows Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC).

Open Intel Proset Utility, go to either Advanced or Tools menu, look for option to Use Windows or Microsoft Client to manage wireless. Then open Control Panel > Network Connections > right-click Wireless Network Connections > Wireless Network tab. Click View Wireless Networks. This is the basic windows wireless utility or WZC. It should give you a listing of networks, if it connects fine using this then it's definitely a problem with the Intel Proset utility. You can actually use WZC to manage the wireless for you. You have the option to use WZC or Intel Proset.

Also try using another windows user account or Safe Mode with Networking (you have to press F8 when computer restarts before it shows Windows), as it may be a problem with your user account in windows.

Thanks Ladytech.  However, as I said in the OP, windows (ie the WZC) will not connect. If I try to connect to my wireless network using windows I get the error message "Windows is unable to connect to the selected network. The network may no longer be in range. Please refresh the list of available networks, and try to connect again". 

Needless to say, the network is still in range and appears on the list of available networks.  Interestingly, a neighbour's network always appears at the top of the list of available networks, even though only my network is on the list of preferred networks.  If I highlight the neighbour's network it shows up as 

 NETWORKNAME                                     Not connected

Security-enabled wireless network.  This network requires a network key.  You are currently connected to this network.  To disconnect from this network, click Disconnect below.  

The other networks will show up when you look at all networks.. my system does the same..

Have you tried to use the Safe mode with network support to see if you can connect?

Are you running security on the router?

What firewall/security suite are you using?

Is the adapter listed in device manage with no "?" or "X"

can you post the results of your ipconfig /all listing...

Yeah, it is contradictory, like you're half-ly connected. Posting your ipconfig result would help.

Also try turning off your router and modem, wait for at least 2minutes before turning the modem back on and another 30secs to turn the router back on. Just in case it's a problem with the modem or router getting stuck on trying to get your computer a good ip address.

Another suggestion is disabling the security on the router. Clear all your wireless profiles and try connecting. To check if it's a security issue.

I spent over an hour writing an informative response that may have been helpful to a lot of people --- and, for some unfathomable reason, it wasn't accepted.

So nobody learned anything !!!

What a way for DELL to reward customer loyalty  !!!

C-YA !!!

Peace.
Slik