Thanks for the comment. You do make a good point to check the HCL, however the machine was built by Dell and includes a RealTek network controller built into the motherboard. I assume if Dell included it, it was on the list. That aside, updated RealTek drivers have been available on the Windows Update site which I have installed, so again, I am assuming everything is compatible.

I know it’s not quite the same thing, but my Dell Inspiron Laptop has RealTek drivers and Vista and has never had a problem like this. My Dell Dimension 5150’s also have RealTek hardware and drivers with Windows XP and have never shown this problem. All my machines have been Dell’s and they are pretty consistent with their hardware.

As I mentioned I did “fix” the problem by using a static IP, so where the problem lies I’m not sure, but Windows 7 is the only version of Windows I’ve had this problem with.

But even if that problem had never arisen it still wouldn’t make me like Windows 7 any more. I still find 7 to be riddled with flaws and shortcomings. It’s 2010 and Win 7 barely knows what to do with an ISO image, has anemic built in support for handling/creating archives like Rar or Zip, Windows Explorer is useless, the picture import function is a joke (why does it still have to put spaces in the file name when spaces cause problems on the web?), the Taskbar can’t be stretched across multiple monitors, (7 can’t even set a different wallpaper for each monitor), the UAC is still so annoying I had to turn it off completely, changing the HOSTS file is ridiculously annoying, being an administrator on my machine doesn’t mean I can actually change what I want, when I want, Control Panel is a confusing mess as far as its layout is concerned, and DOZENS of other glitches and annoyances that just drive me batty.

Not to mention Windows 7 can’t seem to understand how to control the two video cards in my system even though they are from the same vendor and use the same driver. And both are on the HCL.

I might give the forum a try, but considering I’ve seen these problems discussed before and the standard answer seems to be “upgrade your hardware”, I’m a little hesitant. But thanks for the links they might come in handy one day.

Have you checked compatibility?
Just an FYI for you.

It is always best to check with the software manufacturer FIRST. They will tell you if they have tested the product and the version, as well as whether or not it will work with Windows 7.
Check out the Windows 7 Compatibility site: (There you will find out about hardware and software compatibility.)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/en-us/default.aspx
There is a pulldown from which you can choose “hardware” and “software”.

There are also some great articles, instructional videos and such to help with your Windows 7 at our Springboard site:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx

Microsoft does have an official Windows 7 Support Forum located here http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/w7itpro/ . It is supported by product specialists as well as engineers and support teams. You may want to check the threads available there for additional assitance and support.

Thanks again,
John M.
Microsoft Windows Client Support