I checked both the comps and they are set to automatic detect in IP address aswell as DNS server address.
Therefore the columns for the addresses are blank.
Identical to each other.
how do I enter the subnet mask in the lap top to match the same 255.255.255 as the desk top?

Try clicking Use the following IP address:

And type in the same info as on the desktop:

IP Address : 192.168.190.120
subnet mask : 255.255.255.0
default gateway : 192.168.190.2

Or perhaps maintain the laptop address only. Then apply the mask and gateway.

IP Address : 9.254.189.98


If this fails then switch back to Obtain an IP address automatically



.

Tried manually as advised, it didnt work so switched back to Obtain an IP address automatically

rebooted and the poblem still persists.

You could try running the Network Setup Wizard under the Control Panel.

Have you asked your Network Administrator to take a look?

As a worst case scenario do you have a XP Recovery CD for the laptop?