My thinking is that maybe when logged into Windows computer (not domain), my pc is able to conncect to the access point. But when logging into windows, the wireless card i have isnt connecting to the access point. And will only connect when the workstation is on. Is that wrong thinking?
The way you've stated your question is more than a bit unclear, but if this is of any help:
I have a very similar setup (Netgear RT314 router, Linksys WAP11 access point, 1 DC and 3 workstations wired to RT314, 1 laptop connecting via WAP11), and I have no issues related to the access point in terms of Domain vs. Wokstation logons on the laptop.
1. On the workstation, can you log on to the domain under other valid domain user accounts, or do you get the "domain unavailable" messages regardless of which account you try?
2. Do the event/system logs on either the workstaion or the DC contain any messages/errors that might give us more specific clues as to the "domain unavailable" error?
3. What exact versions of Windows are involved here?
4. Double/triple check the network-related settings on the workstation for errors or omissions.