PLEASE HELP - Intel Pro/Wireless LAN 2100 3A mini PCI adapter - Aa

Can ANYONE help at all?! Please!!!!!! (sad kitten eyes!)

This is a long one, so make sure you're sitting comfortably!!! )

I am running a Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop and a PC through a Netgear WGT624
router. The PC never has any problems connecting but the laptop does
(intermittently!)

Sometimes it connects fine and then all of a sudden the signal drops. It
will sometimes re-connect on its own but other times I have to use the repair
function, re-enter the encrypted network key, re-boot the laptop or whole
network.

Ive got WPA-PSK / TKIP set up on my Netgear router. IEEE 802.1x config and
Windows firewall turned off. All passwords and network names match and my
PC and laptop each has a separate IP address.

Sometimes the router works ok if I have windows config it for me and it will
also be ok if windows doesn’t config, but neither one seems to be fool proof!
Sometimes the network properties seem to change on their own from WPA-PSK to
open / wep.

My router is in another room but still only about 12ft away and I don’t have
3ft thick re-enforced concrete walls to stop the signal! )

Ive noticed for some strange reason on my laptop, that the Intel radio keeps
switching itself off, therefore disconnecting the wireless signal. It will
then go to 'out of range' until I repair, sign in using my encrypted key or
reboot or sometimes just reconnect on its own.

I have updated my router software, updated my computer with windows updates
and im now about to climb to the highest point I can find and throw the whole
lot away!!!

Has anyone got any ideas what might be causing any of the above problems?

Thanks
(P.S. Sorry it goes on forever but tried to fit as much info in as possible!)