Problem Connecting to WiFi Router

Configuration

Router: Netgear WGR614 v6
Desktop1: Win Xp Pro SP3 - Wired.
Desktop2: Win98 SE - Wireless via Belkin PCI card.
Laptop1: Win XP Pro SP3 - Wireless via TPLINK TL-WN322G USB

Desktop1

Connects everytime without problems.

Desktop2

Approx 1 out of 10 occasions can't connect but usually restarting the wireless utility is enough, given the obstructions between this and the router as well as the specs of the system I'm not too bothered about this.

Laptop1

Everytime I start the laptop I have difficulty connecting (it can take upto 10 minutes), once connected I can surf the net for hours without an issue. Wireless Zero Configuration never establishes a connection, the utiltiy program that comes with the card does eventually connect.

I'm using WPA for security, no file/printer sharing, only for browsing. The laptop is in the same room and both signal strength and quality are around the 90% mark.

There is one other WiFi network occassionally visible (20% signal max) but it's using Channel 6 whilst I'm using Channel 1.

Any Ideas?

 

Here are a few more things that may help:

1. Start > Run, type devmgmt.msc and press Enter. Expand Network Adapters, right-click the wireless adapter and select Uninstall. Restart the computer and Windows should reinstall it.
2. Have a look at the manufacturer’s website (and/or Windows Update) for an updated driver for your adapter.
3. Change the channel number to 11.
4. Delete the wireless connection and set it up again.

 

1. Have tried that (device manager) various times.

2. I can't find updates nor does windows update.

3. I'll try that later thanks, I used to use 6 and 11 previously but can't recall if this was before or after the problem, it's been happening for a few months.

4. Done, more times than I care to think of.

 

the vast majority of wireless problems relate to interference from neighbor's routers signals drifting in
You may not even be able to see or detect the signal and yet it will cause problems
You will see a strong signal from your router but no or sporadic internet connections
1) change the channel from the default channel 6
channel 11 was noted here. 11 and 1 are first other picks
any of the channels will work - 11 and 1 are first picks
2) you might be able to detect the intruder with a program called netstumbler
3) make sure the router is high and not cluttered

 

Thanks visionof, I'm thinking that the USB adapter/driver is of poor quality as having recently checked I have the same issue connecting to other networks.

I can live with it though, it appears to work better if I reenter the passkey each time, this usually gets me connected in seconds.