Sometime (or every time?), wireless device won't be available if it has been turned off during Vista start-up. Keep 'playing' with the On/Off WiFi switch beside the XPS will just wasting time. After following the steps provided, I managed to 'power on' the device even without turning it on during Vista boot-up.
- Open Device Manager
- Drop down Network adapters
- Double clicks on Intel (R) PRO/Wireless bla..bla..bla
- Go to Advanced tab
- Enable 'Throughput Enhancement'
- Hit OK.