BleepingComputer.com: can only connect to network in safe mode

I have a Dell laptop running XP that has a wireless card built in. The computer will search for available wireless networks and see them. When I tell it to connect after several minutes it will say it is connected with limited to no connectivity. If I plug in a cat5 cable into the laptop and into the router, and go into the admin on the router, it is asigning an IP number to the laptop, however, I can't get on the internet. When I open internet explorer it says I am not connected. There is no encryption turned on and no firewalls. But if I go into safe mode with networking, I can connect to the internet just fine. Does anyone have any ideas as to why I can't get on the internet under a normal boot? I have tried this with the same results on a Linksys and Netgear routers. Thanks.

Chris (buddyclm)

What is managing your wireless? Is it Windows or another like Intel? Could possibly be they both in normal are trying to control the wireless.

Can you try ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew and see if this corrects the issue.

Windows is managing the NIC card, but the routers are handling the DHCP. I also set the wireless card up for a static IP # within the scope range and that didn't change anything either

I did the ipconfig/release and ipconfig/renew. on the renew it said it can't find dhcp server

by going into safe mode you essentially bypass loading most device drivers as well as programs that normally run on startup.....i would start looking here.....go ahead and reinstall the latest nic drivers (if you haven't already) and see what is running at startup just to be sure (msconfig)

I'm having exactly the same problem. I tried disabling everything from MSCONFIG and load up drivers one by one but this didn't work. I'm about ready to do format C and start with a fresh install it's getting that bad.

Have you ran a total virus scan? It could be blocking something when you are in windows. The infection may not run when in safemode.

Try - Malwarebytes to scan!

I am assuming that you changed it from being static IP? Are you getting limited connectivity when you are inside the same room as your router? You are picking your network and not a neighbors? Can you connect with the Cat5 plugged in and not in safe mode?

If the last question is no....then sounds to me like you have something blocking you. I'd have a look at this forum http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum103.html and see if you can clean the problem and get connected.

Hope this helps