Yesterday we ran into some kind of problem where our Actiontec modem/router no longer indicates that it is connected to the web--but the Vista laptop (connected by hardwire) is able to access Internet. Three XP machines (1 wireless, 2 hardwired) no longer can access Internet. Hour-long call to Verizon indicated no outage in our area and they would "issue a ticket" to resolve the problem. Vista has been in use with the network for about three weeks. I've read some posts about this happening--some of the issue sounds like this: http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1186554&SiteID=17 but our problem seems to be in reverse! Vista can access, XP can't.

I'm somehow highly doubting that the Vista laptop is killing the internet connection of the other PCs on the network, without killing itsown connection- it's very highly unlikely.The one way to prove it, of course, would be to disconnect the Vista machine from the LAN, and recheck functionality (possibly also restarting the modem/router, and the PCs on the LAN) - does the internet connection return?I'm assuming that Verizon had you try restarting the LAN, yes? Result was ???Before you try anything, though, could you post the output of ipconfig /all (from a command prompt) of the Vista machine, as well as from at least one (preferably all) of the (non-functional) XP boxen; also, the LAN IP config of the Actiontec would be helpful. Guesses can only go so far; hard info (read: ipconfig) can tell many tales, though.

I am having the exact same problem with my home network. One wired PC, one XP laptop, XBox 360, new Vista laptop. If Vista laptop is not being used, everything connects and has no issues. As soon as Vista laptop is on the web, all connections drop and nobody can do anything from any device. This even affects the wired PC. Ran several systematic tests and came to this conclusion each time. Family is ready to attach and dispose of father and/or Vista XP if solution not found quick. Please help, as Vista machine is needed for work, and father needs family.

I'd ask if you could provide the same info (ipconfig /all) from all of your PCs (same as I did the OP, who abandoned his issue.)Also helpful would be the make/model/revision# of both the modem, and the router; as well as your internet type (cable/DSL/satellite) and ISP.The wired PC is running what OS? How are the Vista lappy (and the 360) connected to your network?If the Vista lappy is used on the wireless only, does the issue still occur if you turn off its wireless adapter, and hardwire it to the router?When "the internet goes down", are you still able to browse the local machines (in Explorer)? Can you still ping any of them by name? If not by name, by IP address?