"CT" <CThompson.FL******.com> wrote in message
news:2fd8d366-4f06-40be-89d2-eda097a45dcc@v3g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
>
> laptop is connected wirelessly.

are you sure?

> The desktop Network Connections shows only a Local Area Connection
> icon (the icon is a simple T connector - no monitors), Status shows
> it's connected 100 Mbps.

So this PC is connected to your router by ethernet cable.

> The laptop Network Connections shows three icons: 1394 Connection
> (Disabled); Local Area Connection (Disabled); Wireless Network
> Connection 2 (Connected) Broadcom 802.11b WLAN).
>
> I suspect the laptop WLAN icon should go, but not sure about deleting
> the LAC on the desktop.

How do you expect to connect wirelessly if you remove WLAN (Wireless LAN)
adapter?

> Also, is there anything special I should be sure to do or undo before
> proceeding with rebuilding the network from scratch?

How about not removing any hardware Windows XP has detected and installed?