My laptop keeps disconnecting from the internet?

But there's more to it really...

I'm using two different laptops, both using a wireless card:

First laptop:
Dell Latitude D600
Internal Wireless Card
Windows XP

Connects to a "computer to computer" network which is not what I want. It connects to the same network as my inspiron, but as a computer to computer (why?)
It disconnects once my inspiron connects and vise versa. Sometimes it will say conncted, but I will not be able to get on the internet.

Second laptop:
Dell Inspiron 1200
External Wireless Card
Windows XP

Usually automatically connects with the card with no problem. However lately has been disconnecting randomly. It also gives me error messages while browsing such as "fire fox cannot find server ..." or "... took too long to connect"

Can anyone help? I know it's somewhat confusing, but if you have any questions, please ask, i want to resolve this.

Thank you.

that seems about right, but how would I change the settings on the D600?

I know where to find it on my inspiron, but not so sure where to find wireless settings on the latitude =/

any idea where I should look? (not in the start menu/all programs like it is on my inspiron)

this is because your d600 is using whats called a ad-hoc connection eg piggy backing off the other wireless eg as you said computer to computer connection this needs to be changed to infrastructure connect this is done via the wireless settings program
also as for the matter of disconnections this can be caused by so many things being to far away from the router, things are in the way that is causing the signal to break up it can be the most simple things like tv sets, monitors, microwave ovens, cellphones, fish tanks, anything that gives off a electrical signal.
to solve this u can buy stronger ariels for the router or buy a better wifi card for the laptops

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