[NTLUG:Discuss] intrepid and wireless ''broke''

[lonestar17]

Hi-All,
  System:  compac presario v2630.
I decided to uninstall wicd and use the native network mgr. in Intrepid....Heard it was better and worked?
NOW-I have a dead laptop!!  Can't  re-install either wicd or network mgr.   Each time I try to reinstall ubuntu trys to make an internet connection and d/l .....Obviously, I can't...NO connectivity.
I can't run the CD to reinstall, won't access or recognize the ''''autorun'''''program or feature?  What ever that means?
This CD is different than others I've used, they just immediately booted up and asked for run,install,etc.  NOT this new 8.10  If I restart, the CD runs, but WHERE????? I have a dual boot set up with XP and SURELY don't want that corrupted!!
Will the CD recognize and SEE the partition ubuntu is ON?  I'm not sure!!  Ive been through all the help menus - NONE tells me where to INSTALL?  I'll try looking for network manager on the CD maybe I'll be able to extract it and put in WHERE??
   In Gparted////sda1 is ntfs////that windows, first on the list
                 sda3 is ext3    ubuntu
                 sda4 is extended ??
                 sda5 is linux-swamp    
That's where I STOP!!! I don't know where the CD will install?
I'm sure there's an easy way to get back wicd or network mgr. without having reinstall ubuntu, but no one can tell me!!
Thanks for any suggestions, 
John in Dallas.