Trouble connecting to Wireless thru Netgear card/2wire att modem?

Question

Trying to use laptop wireless at home. (windows XP on HP lptop) I use a Netgear booster that slides into cardslot and that's how I connect at hotels w/no probs.
I have found/entered the key from modem to WEP field. I have a strong connection (green symbol) but cannot acquire network address.
Run-CMD-IPCONFIG/all shows no gateway address.
Connecting strait with ethernet cable to computer allows connection.
Tried disabling Norton, that had no effect.
When TROUBLESHOOT is attemtped, it hangs on "Renewing your IP address"
The integrated Broadcom 802.11g and the Netgear card are both enabled.
Under Network Connections the Broadcom says "not connected' and theunder the Netgear icon it says "limited or no connectivity"
Modem works because my PC is connected to it.
Modem is a newer 2Wire (sold to me by Att repairman about 6mos ago)
Any tips would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Well, I use a 2wire router here also and I had to upgrade the Card to get it to work properly with the WPA that the 2wire uses! Its not WEP its WPA and not all cards work correctly with that scheme.

First , be sure ALL of the XP upgrades have been done! Several of these have to do with network security and WPA etc. (And the Netgear and Broadcom drivers!!!)

Second, try just ONE active wifi card at a time. Like running dual routers, unless you really know what you are doing having two operational at the same time will create confusion within the OS and can create real headaches and real strange issues.
If you have an internal card try it without the extra card being installed. It should work just fine as you are near the router anyway. When you need "extra distance" then instal the netgear card and disable the internal one (turn the switch off!)
Most times that internal Broadcom will beat the heck out of the netgear for speed and throughput! The netgear may get better signal in weak areas (maybe) but probably not by much!

Third: Change the encryption inside the 2wire, just log on and try different ones like WEP, WPA/Tkip, WPA2 etc. You may find that you simply cant support the one that is enabled.

Fourth, manually set an IP and see if it works, I have a linksys that simply wouldn't issue an address to me, when I set one manually it worked great. Just something in the DHCP timing etc that didn't like the card.. Haven't had that issue with the 2wire at all but did have the WPA issue with one machine! Changed the card, works great. Try the broadcom internal card.. bet it works correctly.

Other than that get a different card!

PS: I know that all of these manufacturers routers and cards are "compatible" thats what we are all told, I also know from experience it just isn't always the truth.. Perhaps they should say its 95% compatible but that would cause real marketing issues wouldn't it! Heck, even some cards from the exact SAME manufacturer aren't compatible in many cases.