I used to be able to connect to the net using my laptop {Ubuntu 9.10 on Compaq nx7400.}by means of wi-fi . I do not know what I have done but I lost the facility to connect to the net.
I noticed the Network Manager disappeared from the notification area. I manged to put it back. It detects the signal from the router and after entering my password it displays “ Connection Established” but I still cannot access the net and does not load any web pages.
I have the same Ubuntu 9.10 Desk on a memory stick, when I use it on the laptop it works fine.

I enclose a screenshot of “iwconfig”. I did “ sudo lshw -C network” and it shows DISABLED. How do I enable it ? Are there any other info that I should supply and what and how _
can anyone help?

Hmmm, the screenshot doesnt seem to be showing for me.

Did you check your log files? Are there any issues with DHCP? Maybe whatever caused you to lose the Network Manager icon also borked your DHCP setup.