generalkos,
Your post about the connectivity issue on your XPS 630i gives me hope, but I am running XP Pro on an XPS 630i that I JUST received from Dell.
Every time that I have to restart the system for any reason (simply to restart, or due to a Windows Update patch, or just to pick my nose), once the system goes through the BIOS launch and reaches the desktop, the connection to my wired Linksys Etherfast CABLE/DSL router (Model BEFSR81) is terminated.
As long as I am willing to physically reconnect the standard RJ45 CAT6 network cable to either the computer or the router, the connectivity instantly returns, and I can go about my merry Internet / network way. This problem, for the record, only occurs upon start-up / re-start (though I may have just jinxed myself).
This daily physical operation, however, is an unacceptable cure for a brand new computer system that, like an Apple Macintosh (there, I SAID IT), should perform as advertised right out of the box. I have, indeed, paid for the 3-year tech support deal from Dell, but I am having better luck discussing the problem with my 2-year-old son than dealing with the inexperienced overseas technicians.
I was at my wits end until I saw your comments about the AutoNegotiate setting not playing nicely with the Linksys device. I am certainly willing to attempt the same alteration to the network adapter settings, but I would greatly appreciate some feedback as well.
Thanks to all who are still monitoring this 74 day old thread.
Eric M. Scharf