Shoul I re-install Vista?

Hi, I have been keft with a friends laptop that is running Vista Home P 32bit.
It had the "Privacy Centre" virus on it, which I have managed to get rid of, or at least stopped it from rendering the laptop useless.
Now faced with the problem that the laptop will not connect to the internet. It has thrown up loads of potential problems... DHCP Client Service not working, possible problem with network adapter and a few others.
The laptop has the original product key on it, so would it be easier to re-install vista as opposed to trying to resolve the connection problems?
I have been on loads of sites with recommended work arounds but nothing has worked.
Wireless, connects to the router with no internet access. Same result if I plug the cable into the laptop.
Also, If I was to do a system repair/restore, would this wipe any media stored on the computer?
Sorry if I seem a bit simple, it's early in the morning and I was up half the night trying to sort it without any help! (I'm no genius )

After a Virus and now new problems, it would be best to reinstall. Although that route will seem like a pain, now, it may save you countless hours of work later. You can never be sure that a virus is completely gone.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

I do not have the Vista disc, can one be created from the computer?

Also, I haven't been given the drivers etc. Most drivers can be downloaded for free, can I just do this on my laptop and put them onto disc to use on the friends faulty vista machine? (mine is running windows 7)

All I have been left with is the laptop and a load of paperwork that came with it, not a disc to be found!

No, sorry. There is no way to create the DVD. You can call your computer company and get a DVD for cost, about $25.00

I have just found this link at the bottom of the page you pointed me to previously as a 'related topic'...
Would this do the trick?
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/151606-vista-sp1-slipstream-installation-dvd.html

Step one begins with the DVD that you do not have

ah, missed that! No worries, I'll have a scout about and see if I can get her to find the disc.
I checked on the HP support site and they have quoted £33 for the disc.
Would I need to use the exact same version of Vista to use the product key that is on the sticker on the under side of the laptop?

No, you do not need to pay 33 pounds. You do not need the key. The 33 is basically for the key. You just need a DVD. It must be for the same Vista edition that you have now.
The cost for just the DVD should be about $25.00 American.

as for the drivers install, if the computer can connect to the internet after the install you can simply download the necessary drivers and install them directly