Why do I lose my Internet connection? Another computer is connected to the same router and works OK.

The client who had the problem had a 'workaround' of turning the computer off and then back on again. After a while, it would lose the connection again and would need to be re-started - again!

This question relates to the Network Card installed in the computer (laptop or desktop). The reason that restarting the computer 'fixed' the problem was that during the restart the Network Card was 'reset'. The Network Card can be reset without restarting the computer:

• In Vista or Windows 7 just start the Trouble Shooter by right-click the network icon in the Taskbar. This will diagnose any network/internet problems and will reset the card if needed.
• In XP, right-click the Network Icon and "Open Network Connections". Right-click the Network Connection and 'Disable'. When this has completed, right-click again and enable.

Resetting the Card will get you going again (which is good) but doesn't cure the problem!

The problem is most likely to be the Power Management setting for the Card.

• Back in the Network Connections, right-click the Connection and choose 'Properties'.
• From this, click on 'Configure' and choose the "Power Management" tab from the resulting screen.
• Un-tick the "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".

I've had this problem myself a number of times and I think that sometimes the Card goes back to "Power-saving" mode for no apparent reason! This power-mangagement option is a great idea if you're using a laptop on its battery but, otherwise, I recommend that you turn it off.

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