I have had this problem for a few weeks now. No idea what has caused it. Searching on Google reveals tens of thousands of results, which suggests that I am not alone. However, none of the suggested solutions have worked so far.
Solutions to losing internet connection on Vista:
1. Windows might be turning off your network adapter to save power.
Turn off the power-saving option in the network adapter’s properties (wired network adapters only):
This is from the Microsoft troubleshooting site: | |||||||||
|
I followed the instructions but did not have an option to clear, so that failed. My Ubuntu pc stays connected, but Vista Home needs to be rebooted several times a day. Checked router all is well. Other apps (such as Skype) remain connected, so seems to affect web browsers mostly. Def. a Vista problem and not a phone line, router or pc hardware problem.
2. Changing the Vista registry settings to configure the router behaviour
This solution has been repeated on forums across the internet, so I tried it, and it failed too:
1. Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then click regedit in the Programs list. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.
2. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesTcpipParametersInterfaces{GUID}
In this registry path, click the (GUID) subkey that corresponds to the network adapter that is connected to the network.
If you don’t know which one of those cryptic {GUID} to select, just find the one that has got an IP address. (see screenshot below)
3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. In the New Value #1 box, type DhcpConnDisableBcastFlagToggle, and then press ENTER.
5. Right-click DhcpConnDisableBcastFlagToggle, and then click Modify.
6. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
7. Close Registry Editor.
If you are using both wireless and regular connection, you’ll need to add DhcpConnDisableBcastFlagToggle to both.
Source: http://catonett.com/blog/archives/194
So now I am left having to reboot Vista several times a day. I have started to back everything up to separate drives to allow a complete fresh install. Really do not want to have to do this, as it will take time a lost time is lost money. But I am starting to think that I have little choice but to start Vista afresh and hope for the best.