'Puters on wireless network drop connection

I have had a wireless network w/ 1 desktop, 1 laptop (both XP), netgear mr314 router running with ADSL for over 2 years. Recently the desktop 'puter has been dropping the connection anywhere from every 10sec to every couple minutes. I've reinstalled drivers & that hasn't helped. I did notice that the SSID changes from what it should be to something that looks like a barcode. The WEP key also "appears" to get wiped out. However, when I get disconnected & the warning bubble from "local area connection" pops up, I can just hit reconnect & I'm up and running again.
I THINK I need to remove the wireless network altogether & get a clean start. XP won't let me delete the network from network connections. What now?

 

I found that Windows wireless connection management to be full of holes.
In the LAN connection properties, wireless tab, clear the check box "Allow Windows to manage my wireless connection" and use what ever application Netgear Supplies.
Your troubles will go away.

Hopefully M$ will figure out in the near future they have a problem.
I have a laptop with an internal wifi card and had the same problem.
Went to a DLink PCMCIA and had the same problem on 3 diffrent wireless networks. Cleared the checkbox and used Dlink's application and the troubles dissipeared.
I have done this on numerious machines.

 

thanks for the tip. I just now made the change & we'll see how the connection goes.

 

Did that work for you??? I'm having the same problem but it's my wireless laptop that is dropping constantly.. just wondering if it could be the same problem....

Thanx