Could really use some advice on problem with Intel PROset/Wireless Internet card/software (laptop, reinstall)

[ecoaster]

I could really use someone's advice on how to solve a major headache here.

I have a four year old Dell Inspiron laptop with Windows XP. The laptop has an Intel (R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG wireless card.

There seems to be a problem with the wireless driver because anytime I try to connect to the internet using the Intel software, I get a Microsoft message that says "Intel (R) PROset/Wireless framework has encountered a problem and needs to close".

So what I have been doing is going to my control panel network connections and clicking the box that says "use Windows to configure my wireless network settings". This has been working, except that it often drops my connection, and the only way I can get it to reconnect using Windows is to restart the computer. Sometimes I have to restart it several times to get the option box for Windows to appear.

I tried downloading and reinstalling the driver for Intel a few months ago, but it didn't seem to make any difference.

Has anyone had any experience with this issue?
Thanks

[NHDave]

Wireless troubleshooting can be a difficult thing, there are so many variables that can affect it. First thing I would do is go into the intel software and set it so that your computer always uses the Windows wireless utility, then uninstall it if you can. Also you can try setting the options on the card to 802.11g only, rather than automatic. Also make sure your routers firmware is up to date.

[dkf747]

Try turning it off and then on using Fn +F2 key combo instead of restarting.