I was interested in setting up an Ad-Hoc network on Windows XP for multiple wireless nodes, one of which is my Dell Inspiron 700m. After searching for a bit, I was led to a guide on Gateway’s Support page:

Q: How do I create a peer-to-peer (ad hoc) network on a portable computer in Windows XP?

A: Use a peer-to-peer or ad hoc network if you are setting up or joining a temporary or permanent computer-to-computer network for sharing files and peripheral devices. This type of network does not include an access point into a wired network.

Follow these steps to create a peer-to-peer or ad hoc network.

1. From the Start menu, click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, in Category View, click Network and Internet Connections.
3. In the Network and Internet Connections window, click or double-click Network Connections.
4. In the Network Connections window, right-click Wireless Network Connection, and then click View Available Wireless Networks.
5. In the Connect to Wireless Network dialog box, click Advanced.
6. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box, click the Wireless Networks tab.
7. On the Wireless Networks tab, click Add.
8. In the Wireless Network Properties dialog box, in the Network (SSID) box, type the name of the network. For a peer-to-peer network, this can be any network name not already in use, for example, Adhoc.
9. Select the This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network check box.
10. If an encryption key has been agreed to by the other members of your network, go to step 11.
    -OR-
    If your network is not using an encryption key, go to step 17.
11. Select the Data encryption (WEP enabled) check box.
12. Click to clear the The key is provided for me automatically check box.
13. In the Network key box, type the network key.
14. In the Key format list, click the key format you have agreed to.
15. In the Key length list, click the key length you have agreed to.
16. In the Key index (advanced) list, click the up or down arrow button to select the key index you have agreed to.
17. To close the Wireless Network Properties dialog box, click OK.
18. Click the General tab.
19. On the General tab, in the This connection uses the following items list, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) . If you do not see Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), drag the scroll bar to see more options.
20. Click Properties.
21. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box, click the General tab.
22. On the General tab, click Use the following IP address.
23. In the IP Address box, type an IP Address value, and then in the the Subnet Mask box, type a Subnet Mask value for each wireless computer on your peer-to-peer network. The IP Address for computer 1 should end with a 1, and the IP Address for computer 2 should end with a 2.
24. To close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box, click OK.
25. To close the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box, click OK.