Yes we have done that many times, waiting for several minutes. Also, every time that we get disconnected after opening or SAVING a file, and use the troubleshooter to get reconnected, it prompts us at the end to unplug the POWER cord, wait 10 seconds and plug it back in. After that is done, we click "CHECK to see if the problem is resolved". That's when it checks the connection and gives me that message about the DEFAULT gateway not being available and the local area connection not having a valid IP address. It always says that the local area connection issue is fixed and that the default gateway issue is still detected. When we unplug that cord, we remove it from the back of the router, but the other end of the cord stays plugged into the power strip under the desk. That's what the technicians from the cable company said to do. Also they have been out several times to check our connection and they say there is no problem. I'm pretty sure they've also tested the router and the modem and said that they were ok too. They've told us that we probably either have a virus or it's a problem in the settings somewhere in the computer. Another thing I forgot to TELL you is that we have a laptop that connects through the same router. The only time it gets disconnected is when this computer gets disconnected first. When we first got this computer (last January) I tried to set it up to be able to share files with the laptop and every time I attempted I was disconnected from this one and then the laptop. I eventually gave up on that.Quote

The only time it gets disconnected is when this computer gets disconnected first.

I've done that before and I just did it again. It did not fix the problem.