Need HELP w/"dropped" connection PLEASE !

[westy]

I have two computers running linked to the internet via Charter Cable using a Netgear RT314 router. The computer upstairs has a reoccuring problem with the internet connection being what I would call "dropped", for lack of a better term. I can be in the middle of using the internet and the connection just goes dead. If I run winipcfg and chose renew all, I'm back in businees usually. Other times a re-boot is required. The router lights for that computer go off when the machine evidently goes into sleep with the screen saver. It is a PIII 550 run W98 S.E, same (OS) as the other computer hooked up to the router. I've done the 314 V3.24 firmware upgrade to no avail. At first I thought it might have something to print and file sharing, but I've removed this and NETBEUI form both computers and it still happens. I have had this same problem in the past with my other computer and a new NIC seemed to fix it.
Anyone have any ideas on what to check or look for ? What really happens when you do the winipcfg renew all ? Why would the "link" light go dead on the router ? As far as the router goes, I haven't done all the fancy configuration stuff, just the wizard setup. I would like to keep away from the telnet end of it because it seemes pretty complicated.

Thanks for your time !
:confused:

[blebs]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Bump to top of list
I'm not ignoring you. I just don't know how to answer the question, besides trying another NIC and that may not be the problem.
When you renew all, in winipcfg, your renewing your lease of the IP address. I don't have a network or router, so I haven't a clue as to what I'm talking about in this area.
Now if someone can help here it would be much appreciated! :)

[ 04-25-2001: Message edited by: blebs99 ]