Ghost Net connection disables internet

[Resident]

Hi,

Since a recent windows update when I switch my PC on in a morning I have no internet connection. Pc connects to the router fine as I can still access the router control panel but Windows will not go any further.

Network and sharing show 'No internet connection' and 2 network connections:

Home Network (as it should) and Unknown Network

Both say that the access type is Internet, Joined and using local area connection (cabled)

Now if I disable my network adaptor then re-enable it, the unknown network disappears, leaving just the home one and my internet access is restored.

This issue has only occurred in the last few days since recent windows update.

I'm using Win7 Pro (SP1), all drivers have been checked and updated.

I'm fairly new to Win7.

Does anyone know what's going on?

 

[Resident]

Yes. Everything else is as it should be other than this 'ghost' connection seemingly not allowing any software to use it. Disable/enable the network adaptor and the ghost connection disappears and normal internet connectivity is restored.

----Edit----

Also forgot to mention, if I click Connect/Disconnect Network nothing happens and I cannot disconnect from either unless I disable the adaptor.

 

[Resident]

I haven't installed any VM software, unless any comes with a Win7 install which was a full and clean install 6 days ago.

Screen shot in previous post is from when I cannot connect

This one is from after I've disabled and enabled the adaptor:

And this is device manager:

Does that give any clues?

 

[Resident]

Thanks for trying anyway. It's driving me mental. It's only since the update yesterday too