How to fix most Windows XP wireless problems

Outside of issues with your hardware itself, the following steps should clear up about 95% of all issues you are having with wireless networks.

The first step is to right click on the wireless network icon at the bottom right of the screen and click "Repair". If that fails go to step two.

Step two is a little bit more difficult, but not much more so. 

1. Click "Start"
2. Click "Run" 
3. Type "services.msc" 
4. Scroll down to "Wireless Zero Auto Configuration" and click on it once
5.  On the left hand side you should see "Restart". Click that and wait for the pop up to go away. You will notice that the wireless icon will disappear and then come back, once it comes back it should see it connect to your preferred wireless network. Sweet!

 Extremely simple, but like I said, it works the vast majority of the time. Enjoy.