Can't access internet (using IE7) on networked Vista laptop

Hi
Yesterday my vista laptop refused to connect to the internet with IE7.
It cannot successfully repair itself (message about resetting wireless
adapter but this does not solve the problem & it only says there is an
unspecified problem remaining).
Strangely I can connect To FICS server (chess game server ) on the laptop
still.

I wondered if installing KB update 938979 would help so I downloaded that
from my XP desktop via USB pen drive but this would not install on the laptop.
I tried a system restore on the laptop but that would'nt even work!

Can anyone please help/advise me? I look forward to replies-thanks
--
RPD