Connection to wireless router is erratic

We recently installed a wireless router, with WPA. The networked laptops
both connect fine to unsecured wireless networks, but only sometimes connect
to our own secured network. Typically, it will be necessary to "refresh
network list", then press "connect" to our network. Sometimes it will work,
sometimes not. When it does work, it may or may not remain connected. We are
using Windows XP, service pack 2. Most of the time, when it is not
connecting, the wireless network icon in the taskbar remains indicated as
disconnected (with a red cross). Despite this indication, it is able to give
an updated list of available networks.
None of this happens if I take the computer elsewhere, where our network is
not available: it then connects without difficulty to open unsecured networks.

Thanks for any assistance
Lucette

Thanks,
I have looked at the information, which is useful for another problem we had.
Meanwhile, I have found that the problem is related to the distance between
the router and the computer. When I try connect from another room it works
better!!! So it is too close?!

"Robert L [MVP - Networking]" wrote:

> You may want to uncheck “Automatically connect�. Or this post may help,
>
> Connect to my wireless only not unsecured wireless
> At home, I have two wireless connections in my laptop. How can I force the wireless connections use one connecting to cable modem?..
> http://www.chicagotech.net/netforums...hp?p=2053#2053
>
> Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
> Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
> How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
> "Luce" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:633E6C85-BCE8-453C-861B-(E-Mail Removed)...
> We recently installed a wireless router, with WPA. The networked laptops
> both connect fine to unsecured wireless networks, but only sometimes connect
> to our own secured network. Typically, it will be necessary to "refresh
> network list", then press "connect" to our network. Sometimes it will work,
> sometimes not. When it does work, it may or may not remain connected. We are
> using Windows XP, service pack 2. Most of the time, when it is not
> connecting, the wireless network icon in the taskbar remains indicated as
> disconnected (with a red cross). Despite this indication, it is able to give
> an updated list of available networks.
> None of this happens if I take the computer elsewhere, where our network is
> not available: it then connects without difficulty to open unsecured networks.
>
> Thanks for any assistance
> Lucette