Does anyone know why when I try and set this wireless laptop to obtain an IP automatically from my router it always resets to an IP already configured when I reboot and it won't go online until I reset it to obtain one automatically everytime ?

It's running some soft of Asus wireless connection software instead of the standard Windows XP stuff if that makes a difference.

try using xp's wi fi clinent - its very stable , I use it on my laptop no probs