Problem with wireless network
 

I have a actiontec DSL modem/ access point that we use to conenct to the internet. A desktop downstairs can connect to the access point and DHCP assigns an ip to the computer but after an ip is assigned it is not possible to ping the gateway or any other computers on the network. I can connect to the access point and reach the internet on a laptop that is sitting right next to the desktop though. Why is the desktop's connection not working.

Specs
Actiontec 54mbps Gateway Modem
Dekstop has a linksys 802.11B pci card
Laptop has intel pro 2200 b/g mini pci card
Both Desktop and laptop are running Windows XP SP1

Password protected?
Encryption enabled?
Firewall installed?

Can you give us any more information about it?

Sometimes after removing Norton Internet Security or malware from a Windows machine, I have to run this WinsockFix [link] in order to get the Internet connection back up.

Sounds like it might be what you need. You can have it create a backup of your registry before you run it.

Ah forgot the accesspoint is using 128bit WEP Key. Zonealarm is running on the desktop and the windows firewall is disabled.

What is the IP on the desktop? If your computer can't connect, it will assign a default IP to your NIC. This would put you an a separate subnet from your laptop as well as the router.

Compare the laptop IP with the desktop IP. If they aren't in the same subnet, that's your problem. I would then start troubleshooting by taking off WEP and seeing if I could connect without encryption. You may also want to disable Zone Alarm while troubleshooting.

Let us know what you come up with and we can continue if necessary...

Also, let us know your computer proficiency, so we know how detailed our discussion can be!

Well it was a friends computer and it was getting an ip address assigned to it from the router but could not ping anything. Downloaded new drivers for the pci card and it started working :/