On 24/11/2018 00:55, Boris wrote:

Snipped
I can't tell anything about the
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/softwar...ntel_Wireless_
Drivers_12.0.4.0.exe.

It could be FireFox which got me online, or it could be one of those two
drivers.

I was ready to move this laptop from the service department to the spare
parts department, but I'm going to play some more.

I just noticed this thread but two observations may still be of interest.

The final version of Internet Explorer that runs on XP (IE8) will no
longer connect to the Internet. Firefox and other browsers are OK but
the IE8 problem is not linked to the driver. I have several real and
virtual XP machines and all are the same. This is well documented if you
search.

I have the final XP (x32) 2200BG drivers which I downloaded from Intel
long ago. The OP is using the correct versions. Here are the Intel
details (choice of exe or zip) if anyone wants to search for the Intel
download files rather than OEM bundles.

Wi-Fi Driver Versions:
-Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection: 9.0.4.39
-Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection: 9.0.4.39
ICS_Dx32.exe 9.0.4.39
12/10/2009 Latest
4.46 MB English
ICS_Dx32.zip 9.0.4.39
12/10/2009 Latest
4.17 MB English
Windows XP *, Windows XP Home Edition*, Windows XP Media Center
Edition*, Windows XP Professional*, Windows
XP Starter Edition*, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition*