Connecting

Hi: I have just formatted and re-installed everything, and every time I
install a program or a system update from MS, I find that I cannot connect
to the Internet. This is so frustrating.

I an in IE trying to access Yahoo Mail and get this sequence:

IE cannot display webpage.
Diagnose connection problems.
Windows is checking connectivity.
Internet connectivity has been restored.
....and then I am able to connect.

Is there any way to prevent destruction of the connection setup when I
install an update or a new program? This is really time consuming.

Thanks in advance, and have a happy Labor Day!!
Mike