No attempt to acquire network address - wireless

Ok, out of ideas, and needing help.

Running XP SP2, Lynksys router, Netgear WG111v2 internet adapter - computer on LAN at work.

Trying to connect wirelessly to internet, I go to View Available Wireless Networks, select the network and click on Connect. The Internet Adapter light blinks, indicating it is trying to connect... but it doesn't (except once)... at least not for about 10 minutes to half an hour or more (it keeps blinking all the time). Then it connects (not too sure how long it takes, as I can't stay there watching it).

Normally, it should say "Acquiring Internet Connection" at the top of the box, but it doesn't. It just says "Automatic". The icon in the sys tray just has a red cross on it, rather then a yellow dot moving across it.

Rebooting has the same effect.

Signal from the router is Excellent - 5 out of 5 bars.

If I try to connect to another network (not ours), it continually tries to acquire a network address (and says so at the top of the box), which is normal behaviour.

I have tried the Internet adapter at home, and it works perfectly (I have the same adapter on my PC at home).

I have tried the internet adapter on other PCs at work, and it doesn't work - same response.

I have tried an ethernet connection on the PC and it works immediately.

I have installed what appear to be the latest drivers (2007), and I have re-installed the Netgear software from CD (not in that order, and with testing between times).

I have tried alternating between the Netgear software controlling the connection, and letting XP do it. Same result.

I have checked the Event Viewer, but there is no consistent error.

The adapter used to work on this PC, but now it doesn't. It may have shown signs of trouble before this - it's not my PC, so it's hard to tell.

So it seems that everything is OK, except that it takes such a long time to connect, and the problem seems to be that it's not trying to acquire a network address.

Note: Differences between my home and work setups are that work has a static IP address, home is dynamic, and work has XP SP2, while at home I have SP3. Could these be significant differences?

P.S. I have tried other things, but too many to list, and I can't remember them all. Sorry in advance if you suggest something I have already tried.

 

The static and dynamic should not pose a problem but having SP2 would.
IIRC, SP3 had major wireless changes and I believe most adapters would work better with the later service pack. (Plus there have been scores of security enhancements after SP3 that should be used.)

 

Thanks, Ibmest. Just remembered that one of the PCs I tried it on at work had SP3, although I didn't give it much of a go on that one. I'll try a bit more and see if that makes any difference.