I'm running Windows XP service pack 2 on an HP Compaq nc8230. Quite often, when I change WiFi access points, I have to reboot before I can access the internet (web pages such as google). I've tried various access points and the story is the same. I am connected to the access point and manage to acquire an IP address, but can't apparently access any web pages. I even tried the following on my SpeedTouch gateway: The gateway was first disconnected from the internet; this is controlled by logging onto the gateway via a browser on a machine to which it is physically connected via ethernet cable. When I connect the gateway to the internet, and after some time, the laptop accessing the gateway by WiFi still can't surf. Again, even if I switch access points on the laptop, same story. It is only after rebooting that the laptop has internet access. Needless to say, it is a PITA to have to shutdown applications to reboot.
Is this a Windows XP feature?
(Along the lines of the "feature" through which you are given several minutes warning that the system reboots after downloading an upgrade without asking you. Or the feature that grays out the switches to turn off automatic upgrading, even for the administrator.)