I'm using an R40 laptop running factory installed XP professional. Have all latest Microsoft patches. I have a netgear N wireless router which is secure. Every time I try to issue the password for the network the system appears to try to connect but I wind up with the same menu as if I had not tried to issue the password

Are you simply trying to connect to your wireless network?

Have you checked your settings to make sure you've set your adapter to the proper encryption? It should give an error if you haven't but...

I have a R51 and occasionally I have to reset the Let Windows Manage Wireless Connections.

Can you upload a screenshot?

Also make sure that the router will allow B, G & N connections and not set to N only.