Lost Internet Connection?

I bought a used laptop for my granddaughter and it's worked really well for a while. But now it doesn't connect to the internet. It used Atheros to connect. And right now, it just doesn't connect, basically. Is there anything you can do to help me figure this out? It uses Window XP.

There are a few things to try\check, but it depends on what caused this as to if anything helps, so lets get the basics laid out, by the connection you state, I assume it uses a wireless connection to a router to get online ? But lets quickly try the fastest possible option, try a system restore, if you are unsure about how to do this let us know and we can guide you, but select a point prior to the net not working, if this works it's the best result with the least hassle. Do you know what connection "manager" it's using ? eg either it's own, or windows ? The icon near the clock, does this display a symbol ? and if you hover over it what does it say about your connection ? And has there been any change in location (where it is used), or has any new electrical kit been added ? Now lets see what the following does, if you can, connect the unit via a cable and see if that works, just to make sure it's a wireless issue. Next try right clicking on the icon by the clock, then select Diagnose… and see what that shows, select any repair options it offers, and see if that helps. The last thing to try is creating a new connection, you will need the routers id, and password (this is case sensitive), see if that gets you back online.