Netgear DG834G connection fails unless I start the router after the laptop

[Zachiel]

Hello.

Every time my router is already on and I turn my laptop on, it doesn't connect automatically and, if going for manual connection, it returns me the classic window "Impossible to connect" message (in my language).
Trying to run the automatic problem solver solves nothing. The only thing I can do is to restart the router, which is problematic if dad is listening to some web radio and stressful and time-consuming in every other instance.

I'm running windows 7 on my laptop, the PC dad uses is mounting XP and it is cable-connected.
I recall the problem happening even when the PC is not on (but starting the laptop with an ongoing connection is really rare since I don't usually keep the router ON if I'm not using it.
Turning the laptop on a few (seconds? minutes?) after the router works fine.

Which settings might solve this problem?

Thank you.

 

[tigsounds]

Is the computer set to "obtain an IP address automatically?"

(This is found in network device properties, Internet Protocol (TCP/IP),

 

[Zachiel]

Is the computer set to "obtain an IP address automatically?"

(This is found in network device properties, Internet Protocol (TCP/IP),

It is, for both IP4 and IP6.

I remember having had several conflict problems when using a static IP during LAN parties and changing the settings to cope with that problem. This is a portable device, after all, and I thought requesting the IP address to the router was the right thing to do.

I infer that setting a static IP would solve my problem, is there any other solution?