When connected to AT&T wifi (at Starbucks or Coffee Bean cafes), the internet
connection will typically terminate after 3-7 minutes. In addition the
termination seems to lock up and/or disable my wireless function.

For example, if I place the cursor on the wireless icon in the lower right
hand tray, one of two things happens: usually a box opens indicating I am
still connected but sometimes I get no response. If I right click on the
icon, nothing happens. If I go to Start, Connect to, and wireless
connections, nothing happens. The only way I can restore a functioning
connection is to shut down the machine. However, when
I try to shut down the machine, a windows box opens indicating an attempt to
end the connections tray. If I click end program, the box shuts and shut
down proceeds.

I do not have this problem when connecting to any other
wireless network, whether at home, hotels, other hotspots, etc., etc. AT&T
denies the problem is theirs and insists the problem has something to do with
Windows XP.

I have seen the problem mentioned in independent forums, but for
older versions of XP. No successful solutions are provided in those forums.
I am running Windows XP Professional; it came installed on the machine (a
Lenovo T61p) when purchased in February. Any ideas what’s happening and how
I can fix it? Thanks in advance.