Confused about figures.

[#1]

Here's your connection graph:
<img src="http://community.plus.net/visualradius/generated/image13958305014561.png"/>
You shouldn't need to keep rebooting the router in order to get a connection.

[#2]

I know I shouldn't have to reboot to get the laptop to connect, but it is the only way. I have no errors or disabled devices showing in Device manager, and running the Windows troublershooter always says, in effect, 'we can't find anything wrong - reboot your system'  .
It MUST be something between the router (DG834Gv5) and laptop (Samsung RV511 running W7HP) but I've yet to find out what.  The ancient desktop with a wired connection has no problem (apart from being as slow as a snail to respond).

[#3]

When Windows says "Reboot your system" it means the laptop, not the router...

[#4]

Tried that Jaggies - still wouldn't let me connect = had a horrid orange blob over the network connection icon, and no connection (wireless) to the router.

[#5]

Might be worth looking for updated drivers, or if there's none available, a USB wireless N adaptor can be had for under a tenner, even in "High Street" stores.

[#6]

Good idea -but I'll see if it settles down before I start changing things /coward mode off  

Edit.
Just checked for driver updates - Windows says my November 2011 copy is 'up-to-date'