problems with Wireless connection on Toshibha Laptop

Using WEP or WPA?
did you set the encryption?
how about the channel?
can the Toshiba connect to the WAP?
from the prompt type
ipconfig /all
and post the results here please

using WEP
The network's Authentication is Open.
ipconfig /all gives following results (I intentionally removed some info like IP Address, physical address etc.) :

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Windows IP Configuration

        Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : toshiba-user
        Primary Dns Suffix  . . . . . . . :
        Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
        IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : sbcglobal.net

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

        Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . : sbcglobal.net
        Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast Eth
ernet NIC
        Physical Address. . . . . . . . . :
        Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
        Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
        IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . :
        Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . :
        Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :
        DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . :
        DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . :
                                           
                                           
        Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Friday, November 19, 2004 5:24:00 PM

        Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Monday, November 22, 2004 5:24:00 PM


Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:

        Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
        Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Atheros AR5001X+ Wireless Network Ad
apter
        Physical Address. . . . . . . . . :
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am sorry I do not know how to find out about the channel, WAP. Please inform me how I can find them.

any help please ? Thanks...

Had to get dinner
You are using WEP, did  you enter the WEP Key in the config for the adapter?
>>Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
tells us it's not connected to  the WAP

Sorry the Data encryption is disabled and NOT WEP. So I assume I do not have to enter the WEP key. I did this with no success.

please see here
http://www.networkinstruments.com/support/hdwsup1001.html

Problems like this are simpler to diagnose in person, for me I work better in person, there's less guesswork involved. I'd suggest a local technician be found to diagnose it for you. if that's not an option (or you ARE that local technician) then here are a few suggestions:

1. Check device manager for yellow !'s near the device, if the device is listed as functioning then you shouldn't need to bother with driver updates. (check with manufacturer for latest revision number, if you are significantly out of date then upgrading may have desirable results, although wouldn't effect basic functionality as you have described.)
2. Check the SSID of the wireless LAN as specified by you Netgear and used by the Dell laptops.
3. Try to let Windows XP auto-connect to the wireless network -> Click on Start > Connect to > "show all connections" > double-click on wireless device XP will display a list of detected wireless networks, try to connect to your wireless connection if listed
4. Install client app included with the wireless card. if the card is built in to the toshiba there should be a client app included w/ the laptop. Most put an extra icon in the control panel. Check there in classic view to see if there is something that you can use
5. Post more information. What exactly do you mean by "changed many settings"? What is the SSID of the network that is working? what operating systems are involved on the laptops? Does the Toshiba have the latest drivers for the relevant hardware? is the Netgears firmware current? is there any encryption enabled on the working laptops?

Does the Toshiba have a switch to turn on wireless access? Many do - if this is not turned on then you will nothing.

Is the netgear set to allow only "trusted" computers to connect? If so you will have to enter the mac address of the network card into the router. Does the pc find the wireless network at all?

Author input please, is this resolved? If so please close the question, if not what is wrong?