WiFi dropping out

[newmarket2]

Here's the short version of my problem:

When connected via WiFi, my HP Vista laptop always drops it's connection. After this failure, if I go to CONNECT TO A NETWORK and hit the refresh button, the router can't be found. I can solve the problem (this ALWAYS works) by entering SLEEP mode and coming back out - or by rebooting.

Long version:

I'm running Vista Home Premium w SP1.

My WiFi hardware is working because when I'm in a location with multiple WiFi signals - all the other signals are still visible and can be reached.

it's not my router at home, cause the same thing happens with other routers in other locations.

The time it takes to drop the connection MIGHT BE connected to how much traffic there has been with the router. So, if I'm watching a video stream, it seems to happen sooner than if I'm just reading mail. I'm less certain about this.

Please:

I know I can reinstall the Operating System. I'm looking for a solution that avoids that.....

Michael