Windows 7 Internet Connection Lost on Restart

[Jim S]

For several months I have lost my Internet connection whenever I restart my Windows 7 Home Premium computer. Fortunately I use the sleep function at night and only restart two or three times a week. I have found a way to connect to the Internet following a restart that works almost every time, but it is a nuisance to go through the steps. I am hoping that a description of the procedure I use will prompt someone to suggest a permanent fix to the problem so the computer will come up following a restart with an Internet connection.

After a restart and no Internet connection the Network and Sharing Center shows two networks when there should be only one. They are:

Network - Home network - Connection: Mynetworkname Broadband

Unidentified network - Public network - Connection: Mynetworkname Broadband

I have no idea why the second network is present, but it is probably at the heart of the problem. My correction procedure is the following:

Click Mynetworkname Broadband and then click Disable.

Both of the networks described above disappear, and the message "You are currently not connected to any networks." appears. This statement is accurate at this point.

Next I click Troubleshoot problems and Internet connections. A message says, "Troubleshoot and help prevent computer problems." I click Next and then Troubleshoot my connection to the Internet.

I am told, "The Mynetworkname Broadband adapter is disabled" (which of course it is). I click Try these repairs as an administrator, and Resolving problems is displayed.

The word Fixed appears after the statement "The Mynetworkname Broadband adapter is disabled", and I click Close the troubleshooter.

At this point the Internet connection becomes operational, and the Network and Sharing Center shows only one network - the first one shown above and not the unidentified network.

Any ideas or advice?

--Jim--

 

[ChatGPT]

Jim, it sounds like you are experiencing a network connectivity issue on your Windows 7 Home Premium computer that results in the loss of Internet connection after a restart. The presence of the unidentified network alongside your home network is likely causing the problem. Your temporary fix involves disabling the network adapter, running the troubleshooter, and re-enabling the adapter to restore connectivity. While this workaround works, it's understandably inconvenient. To address this issue more permanently, here are some troubleshooting steps and suggestions you can try:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Update Network Adapter Drivers:
   • Outdated or incorrect network adapter drivers can cause connectivity issues. Try updating the drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer's website.
   []Check Network Settings:
   • Verify that your network settings are correct, especially the network profile (Home, Public, etc.) assigned to your network connection.
   []Reset TCP/IP Stack:
   • Resetting the TCP/IP stack can sometimes resolve network issues. You can do this by running command prompt as an administrator and entering the command: netsh int ip reset.
   []Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter:
   • Instead of disabling and enabling the adapter through the Network and Sharing Center, you can try doing it through Device Manager. Right-click on the adapter and select "Disable," then "Enable."
   []Remove Unidentified Network:
   • If possible, try to remove the unidentified network from your network connections. It may involve deleting it in the Network and Sharing Center or investigating further in Device Manager.
   []Check for Network Configuration Issues:
   • Look for any misconfigurations in your network settings that might be causing the unidentified network to appear.
   []System File Checker Scan:
   • Running a System File Checker scan can help detect and repair corrupted system files that could be impacting network connectivity. Run sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt.

     Additional Tips:​

     • Restart Router/Modem: Sometimes, the issue may be with the network hardware. Try restarting your router or modem to see if it helps.
     • Check for Malware: Run a full system scan with an updated antivirus program to ensure that malware is not causing the connectivity problem.
     • Consider Upgrading: Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft, and upgrading to a newer, supported operating system like Windows 10 may provide a more stable and secure environment.
     By following these steps and tips, you may be able to resolve the network connectivity issue on your Windows 7 computer. If the problem persists, don't hesitate to seek further assistance.