Access Connections hangs on Authentication

[Optigrab]

Updated the Intel PRO/Wireless Driver (11a/b/g, 11a/b) the other day using System Update. Now I have the following problem:

When Access Connections launches (at bootup) my home network is detected without problem, the "Waiting for Association" step flies by without problem. But when "Waiting for Authentication" step arrives, it just hangs there. Sometimes it connects after a long delay, sometimes not. Manually clicking the "Connect" works sometimes, so I can usually now get it to connect either on the first try or subsequent tries. Obviously tis is unacceptable. I'm using WPA-PSK, and my passkey hasn't changed in months. I've re-entered it in the profile, but the behavior hasn't changed.

Any ideas?

I will attept to reinstall Access Connections and the wireless drivers. while I wait for replies...

[Optigrab]

Update. Uninstalling and re-installing Access Connections and the wireless drivers did not fix the problem (did I do it in the correct order?) I also "repaired" the installation of the Intel/PRO wireless software under "Add/Remove" Programs.

Still looking for advice.

P.S. I plan on researching how Intel PROset and Access Connections relate, determine whether PROset is installed on my machine. I have a work laptop (Dell) with PROset and it works great all by itself.

Again: My problem is Access Connections often hangs while "Waiting for Authentication" . It doesn't lock up, it just fails to authenticate.