Is anyone else having issues when accessing a Hotmail account via Outlook in Windows 7 RC? I have to confirm my details at least 3 times before it syncs, go figure!
Your laptop will have a built-in aerial, which I doubt you can change/modify. Where is the signal being broadcast from? A router? An access point? Some wireless hardware have the ability to increase the signal being output. Failing that, sit closer to the router/access point
Access emails over the web? Or add his email account details to a local login account? As long as you leave a copy of any messages on the server. If your laptop hangs when logging on to a local account then that's another issue.
I'm glad to read that you upgraded to XP from Vista. Is it a laptop by any chance? Even if it's not your XP disc may not have the correct drivers for your network card. Check the Device Manager. Download the correct drivers from the manufacturers website if necessary. If that doesn't work, it's time for Plan B.
I would have suggested removing from the domain, renaming and then rejoining the domain. But as that didn't work, I don't know what else to try. That said, the command "netdom reset computer_name /domain:domain_name" has worked for others.
Don't get me started on the "Synchronizing" mularky! I always disable that, it just annoys me. If the profiles are stored on the "C drive", then they are local and will be different for each machine you logon to.