Windows Constantly Reconfigures  

Hi,

When my daughter's computer is switched on it refuses to connect to the internet until it has been rebooted, sometimes several times. The final time (whether that's the first or tenth!) Windows will 'reconfigure', which takes an hour or more, and then the internet will work. The computer is connected via ethernet cable, and when the computer first boots, the disconnected 'globe' symbol is shown. The computer will work fine(ish) except for no internet connection. After Windows has reconfigured, the ethernet symbol appears and all is well - apart from being a bit slow. What's peculiar is that when I have had it round mine (my daughter does not live here) the issue doesn't seem to arise. It only happens when it's at hers - although, this might be a complete coincidence.

Any ideas? Initial pointers?

One idea I had was that the HDD is damaged and the configuration file is being stored on the damaged part of the disk. When Windows realises the config file is corrupt, it 'reconfigures', but stores (at some time) the config file on the damaged part again. Some time ago, prior to reinstalling Windows, I seem to remember doing a disk check (chkdsk or format, I think) and finding the disk had errors, which I assumed were isolated. Could it be that there are still problems with the disk, i.e. possibly breaking down? Is there a surface checking program that allows me to check this without casing data loss? Is my reasoning sound, or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Matt

I think it's more likely that the Ethernet driver does not often load correctly, than actual disk damage.

When it shows disconnected, check Device Manager, Network adapters for the Ethernet driver status.

Depending on the brand and age of the computer, you may be able to update to a more reliable driver.