"John E" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Since installing SP1 on my Vista x64 Ultimate box, the network icon
> displays a large red cross at startup, for about two minutes (before SP1
> it would connect fully in about 5 seconds). During this time I can access
> the internet via Internet explorer, but attempting to run Outlook causes a
> white-out - with the usual choice... wait for application to respond.
> Which it does when the big red cross is replaced by the usual blue globe.
> I'm guessing that windows is waiting for some service to start up
> (possibly one I disabled in the past), and eventually timing out. I'm
> using a wired router on a wired network. (no wireless connections)
>
> Any thoughts or suggestions gratefully received.
>
> John
Solution was to turn on "Internet Connection Sharing" service (now set to
automatic). This only seems to be needed at startup, and turns itself off
therafter. Network icon now displays blue orb within 5 or 10 seconds again.
Oddly this service has a default of 'disabled'. Certainly in my case it
seems to need to be turned on (even though I'm not using this machine as
'modem computer').
More information here:
http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/S...ring_(ICS).htm
John