I have a laptop running windows vista home premium. I have a motorola milestone smart phone. I can only get a local only connection between the laptop and smartphone using the hotspot on the phone. But if I use a computer running xp or windows 7 I am able to connect all the way to internet. Is there a fix for the windows vista computer to fix this issue, or is it just a dead issue not worth pursuing.

Check you wireless key or pass phrase.
This normally indicates that you have not connected to the device correctly.
Easy enough to disconnect and recreate from scratch..

It is set as an open connection, so no passphrase needed, still gives a local only connection.