Not even a week has gone by and I have had nothing but trouble with my internet connection on a new Dell XPS 8000, Intel i5 processor, with Windows 7 factory pre-installed. Setup: Wired LAN, new Motorola Surfboard modem, new D-Link wired router EBR-2310. I can connect with a laptop and an eMachine, but have had periodic connection drops. Initially the Dell XPS had connection drops and/or very slow connections and/or wild variations in speed regardless of the day of the week or the time. Finally, the Dell just quit connecting. I'm working it now, just after I got the "Error 651" on the screen. On-screen instructions directed me to go to the "Remote Access Preference menu item under the Advanced Menu of the Network Connection Folder". I discovered the system was attempting a dial-up connection. I figure "Voila!" This is an easy fix ... not so, however. I made some changes in IE and then clicked "Setup" to setup an internet connection. After 15 minutes of staring at an MS IE screen showing "Connecting..." with zero activity, I aborted it - or tried to but it was locked up. I tried everything I could think of, including resetting the modem, and router, unplugging, waiting, then powering up again, rebooting, and then I found this site. I have not deleted the VPN or whatever that was suggested. I'll try that if - I can find it. Now, I can't find a "Network Connections Folder" with an "Advanced" menu or anything called a ""Remote Access Preference". Win7 Help is of no help. The settings in IE reverted back to using a dialup to connect - there isn't even a modem in the computer. [The following is an EDITORIAL With non-useful comments: I do not recommend Windows 7 even if it's preinstalled at the factory (not yet). I hope this is not the latest "the greatest ever OS" flop from MS. It's a good thing Ford doesn't build trucks this way!! This approaching being a disaster. I'm proficient in XP, but this ....! And Windows Explorer" is so far, an unfriendly reworked version of an already marginally usable Windows Explorer" in XPSP3. I can't even transfer my files to the new Dell - Well perhaps I could, but then What's the NEXT disaster? I think I've become a dinosaur in the IT world. ] Does anyone have an idea about how to fix this ... thing? My next thing is to delete the modem and router and network and start over unless it is ill-advised. Be blessed. Galatians 2:20 Any ideas?

Hi, Based on my research, I would like to suggest the following: 1. May I know which connection you are using, LAN connection or VPN? If you just use LAN, you can set IE Connections option to Never dial a connection. 2. If you just let the VPN to connect, please check if it will be successful. If not, please also check your VPN connection settings. 3. Regarding the LAN connection drop issue, please also try: 1. Update the NIC driver 2. Update the routers firmware. 3. Boot the computer to Safe Mode with networking and check how the connection works. Hope this helps. Thanks. Nicholas Li - MSFT

Hello. I just found this thread and am having the exact same issues. I've only had my XPS for a two days, and have changed cables, reset routers and modems, etc. I know it's not the the router or modem because my old pc is still connected to the network and can connect to the internet fine, as well as my laptop which connects wirelessly. I hope someone is still watching this thread. This is how I have temporarily fixed the problem, which opens the door for more problems. Here we go:Because it's a new computer, I've been creating restore points before I install "persnickety" programs (Adobe programs can be kinda squirrelly). Also, because it's a new computer there have been a number of MS updates I have allowed to install automatically. Here was my solution (and I will see if my connection continues to work today):I restored my computer to a point before the last set of automatic MS updates loaded. I stumbled on this quite by accident as a solution. I didn't realize I lost my connection after a restart to finalize an update. I now have disabled automatic updates to help me find the conflict between the updates, any newly-loaded software, and my NIC or router/cable modem setup.If I'm correct and there is a conflict between any updates and network connectivity, is there a more scientific way to isolate it?Oh yeah. I have mcafee security center (pre)installed) that is malfunctioning and won't open to let me drop my firewall. My last test for isolation will be to delete and reinstall the program.Thanks in advance. By the way, I'm connecting through a basic LAN, set for "never dial a connection". W!

Same thing here; brandnew Dell XPS8000 and for only once I had an Internet connection. It downloaded some 20 updates and installed them. Since that moment I'm having the same error. I am also thinking to restore the computer to a point BEFORE the updates were installed to see if it works again. I'll keep posting here and share our information. Hopefully we can be able (with help from others here) to pinpoint the update that is causing this error.Thanks!Cheers!

Actually guys, if you're still having issues, its wise to create your own threads if the answer above did not work for you as since the original post has been declared answered, those who assist generally move on while those looking for answers will come to see if the answer file helps them or not.If everyone starts posting me too and clutters up the thread, the original poster may or may find the answer he's looking for and he may elect to uncheck Nicholas's answer with more info for someone to come in and assist him further.Its suggested that each of you start your own thread explaining exactly what the problem is, one what hardware (if hardware is involved and be specific as to machine make, model and model #), what troubleshooting steps you have done so far which will tremedously help those of us who try to help with your problems. ;) Its been my experience (so far) that once a thread gets cluttered, most helpers just move on to someone else who needs help. Hope that helps.MCSE, MCSA, MCDST [If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

SOLVED!!!See this topic: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7network/thread/519b794f-3f32-4a0a-8e47-81918243c0b7?prof=requiredCheers!