my HP used to do that .. Now, are you certain your laptop is connecting to YOUR router? IS possible that it is connecting to a nearby that does not have Interwebs?
Vista continualy (sp) collects wireless networks (Control Panel\Network and Sharing Center\manage wireless networks) and unless specified, will start at top of list and automatically connect to the first one that has any sort of usable signal.

Ahhh.. Also try going through the "set up network connection" wizard. we had to do this when I first set up my network. My vista laptop would NOT connect to interwebs (similar symptoms)until I had done that.


Are you attempting connect with both ethernet/lan AND Wifi? Vista does not like doing both.. will take the ehternet over the wireless... wireless will show as connected to local only.

report back we ca finger..errr..figgure this out together.