First you might have to setup your notebook manually to join the network via add a network place,select browse and click the plus signs until you see the correct network and follow the prompts.Or try letting your dell wireless card utility tool manage the wireless and if you've security setup make sure that you've the WEP/WAP network key.And you may need to install the printer software on the notebook make sure it is set as the default printer and if the desktop isn't active(mean not in hibernation or sleep mode) the printer will not be reconized by your notebook when quering to print. Let me know if this helps or not.
I tried to set my laptop up manually, I went to the add a network place, browse, I cannot get network icons, My laptop will not recognize my desktop and vise/versa, I also set the software for my printer on the laptop, still cannot add a printer. I am not trying to set this up wireless, I have a ethernet cable from both computers into my router. The printer is plugged into my desktop, I don't know what is meant by (Wep/Wap network key), unless it is the same key as my wireless network. one note: I am running google browser sync on both computers, and that is working on both, I can move bookmarks and other online info from one computer to the other. I have tried all the microsoft instructions and the belkin instructions to no avail. it has got to be something simple. also both computers are running Win XP Home. Thanks for the help.