Windows 7: Internet Connection Problem in New Win 7 Install

I just did a clean install of Windows 7 on a 19 month old Dell computer. The install went fine except for an annoying network connection issue. When I restart Windows, I lose my Internet connection and when I open the Network and Sharing Center I find an Unidentified Network in addition to my Home Network. The two are connected somehow because if I disable the Unidentified Network, I end up disabling both.

I found a way to fix it during an Internet Search. I get into my LAN properties, then Configure the Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller, go to Network Address and then change the Value either from Not Present (its original value) to a value (the numbers entered don’t matter) or from Value to Not Present, click OK and the Network reconnects with the “Unidentified Network” gone.

I also have to go through this if I should happen to lose my Internet connection briefly.

Any ideas for a permanent fix to this?

Thanks.

Are you wireless? Did you secure your connection?

Of course it is just a guess, but I think someone is tapping into your connection.

I have two connections showing on mine. One is my next door neighbor, but it does not interfere with my wireless connection. Have you got an encryption setup on yours? If so, have you made sure the proper key has been input since you installed Win 7?