Laptop cannot connect to internet - then it can

[Guest]

I have one laptop in particular (Dell XpPro) that upon power up can access
our files on the server but cannot connect to the internet. When it cannot
connect I can ping computers on our network, but cannot ping outside it. If
I wait 5-10 minutes it can connect to the internet (and it can still access
our files on the server). Then it loses the ability to access our files on
the server. Reboot and the same problem scenario ensues.
I have already disabled the network adapter powering itself off. I get no
error messages from IE - just a blank screen.
HELP!

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

I have one laptop in particular (Dell XpPro) that upon power up can
access our files on the server but cannot connect to the internet.
When it cannot connect I can ping computers on our network, but
cannot ping outside it. If I wait 5-10 minutes it can connect to the
internet (and it can still access our files on the server). Then it
loses the ability to access our files on the server. Reboot and the
same problem scenario ensues.
I have already disabled the network adapter powering itself off. I
get no error messages from IE - just a blank screen.
HELP!

Are you using Active Directory (a domain, as opposed to a workgroup)?
Are you using wireless?
What do you see in the workstation event logs?
Is the laptop up to date (WinXP SP2, all other critical patches)?

 

[Guest]

Are you using Active Directory (a domain, as opposed to a workgroup)?
Are you using wireless?
What do you see in the workstation event logs?
Is the laptop up to date (WinXP SP2, all other critical patches)?

Yes - we are using a domain, but not wireless, and all is up to date.
The event log is telling me "no domain controller is available for domain
KGD due to the following: there are currently no logon servers available to
service the logon request. Make sure that the computer is connected to the
network and try again. If the problem persists, please contact your domain
administrator.
I wear many hats here, and I guess I can add domain administrator to the list!
I'm mostly confused as to why it can connect and then it cannot - seemingly
with no changes...