Can't connect to E1200 from Vista Laptop.

Question

I recently installed an E1200 router for a friend.  We both have HP laptops running Vista.  Mine connects wirelessly ok but his doesn't.  The Network and Sharing Center on his shows a connection between the laptop and the router and the router is identified correctly.  But the link is broken between the router and the internet.  I did a little troubleshooting before I ran out of time.
I set up the router using the the Cisco Connect cd.  Didn't have a thumb drive so I went to each laptop and added a wireless profile for the router using the same Security Type (WPA Personal), Encryption Type (AES), and Security Key.  Mine connects, his doesn't.
IPCONFIG/ALL shows that both laptops got IP addresses in the DHCP range of the router.  The DHCP client list on the router shows the same.  I tried rebooting the router, deleteing and re-adding the profiles, same results.  Aside from IP and mac  addresses the IPCONFIG /All's are identical.
I won't be able to get out there for a few days. I have a list of things to try and was hoping someone would have other suggestions.
His laptop is at Vista SP1 and mine is at SP2 plus other patches because I run automatic updates.  I intend to bring his laptop to the latest patch levels.  Our wireless adapter models are also different so I'll download the latest drivers for his.
I'll update the router firmware if necessary and set the router back to it's default configuration. 
I'll use Cisco Connect to reconfigure the router and change the SSID and this time create setup keys.
I'll configure both laptops using the setup key and see if they connect. 
I've read something about a DHCP broadcast flag problem between some routers and Vista.  There is a registry edit fix for the problem from Microsoft, but it doesn't seem to apply in this case because the IP addresses are assigned correctly
Any help will be most appreciated.
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Answer 1

Great suggestion, I never thought of trying WEP.
I don't remember the exact name of the adapter on my friends computer, but your question prompted me to look through the HP wireless forum and I found that there are compatability issues with the Vista Atheros ( which sounds familiar) driver and and the E series routers.  There is a driver update from HP available to fix the problem and I'll try that also if the adapter is Atheros.  I think I'll take Vista at least to SP2 first.
The adapter on my laptop, which works, is an Intel Pro/Wireless 3945ABG.
I'll get out there the end of the week and update you with my progress.