Wireless adapter not recognized...use System Restore to earlier date and laptop connects immediately

121213 Wireless Adapter Problems

Dell Inspiron 1520 Windows XP SP 3

My Dell suddenly will not connect to access point / wireless router / DSL. Other computer in house connects fine. Computer is auto-updated by Windows, McAfee, Secunia, and frequently checked with System Mechanic, McAfee, Lavasoft, MalwareBytes. One of the auto updates may have been interrrupted.

Says Wireless adapter "not present"...Does not recognize wireless in the area.  Try to "repair" adapter, but message says adapter not present.

I then use System Restore to 4 day earlier date and laptop connects immediately. I see a new symbol "Local Area connection on Actiontec m1000 has been added in the Network Connection window, and the Wireless Network Connection says it is connected to the correct network that has worked fine for several years.

I have several Windows updates for the Malware Tool that install immediately if I reboot, but then I cannot connect to the network and have to use System Restore (which is taking longer and longer to restore...appx 1.5 hrs now).

Appreciate help.