Since adding a D-Link router for wifes laptop , my desktop repeatedly loses ability to surf and get email. It is hard-wired to the router. Taskbar icon shows connection , and any network details show the same...but sometime after each reboot/restart , IE7 will begin failing to connect, and email - Yahoo or Comcast.net - will fail to get or send mail. Usually I can choose "repair" in network options, and it will again work. Worse case is having to open Comcasts Desktop Doctor (long wait), and use their tools to restore IE's and Outlooks settings. This same utility shows connectivity working, also.......even tho' browsing and email fails. Something causing browser and email settings to change?
Have you checked to make sure the TCP/IP properties of your desktop connection are set to "obtain ip address automatically" as well as "obtain dns automatically?" If not you could be using a static IP address while your router is set as DHCP. Which could explain why repairing is a temporary fix and your Desktop Doctor shows as connected. If that doesn't work, go online and just buy you a cheap USB network adapter. You can get one online for $12 - $15 nowadays. Post back with any findings. Good luck.
Thanks ! Did you know your'e a "first responder" ? (been awhile since posting) Anywayz.... thought prob was fixed when Comcast came and cleaned up their line running to home. Then grounded a connection point. Hum was gone from HDTV , and my desktop seemed to run better. But alas, just in past couple of days, I've had the same glitch. Never affects the laptop on wireless ?? Settings are as you noted should be. I chose on my own a time back to select "Never Dial A Connection". That shouldnt matter should it, as I am on Hi-Speed - always on ?? One more thing, the USB adapter you mention... are you talking about for wireless ? thereby removing the direct wiring from PC to router? I have one sitting around, if that's what you meant. Not tried yet.
