Just a quick update, device manager shows nothing out of the ordinary. I tried a couple of variations on the Advanced tab, no improvements, reset back to the way it was.
I've got a few questions I'll be posting soon. Short version - that error on start up (Windows stopped the Generic Host Process...). I ran down the files, scanned, looked at 'em and there is at least one reference to internet services. If Windows isn't allowing the file to load, that might be part of the problem.
I'm also tempted at this point to grab the network card driver & re-install a fresh version, hopefully over-riding the problem.
Otherwise, the computer is working pretty well.
Better update Monday.