I have three computers that access the internet though a cable modem
connected to a five year old Dlink router (for which I have updated to the
latest available firmware). Initially I had a great deal of trouble
getting the Vista Machine to connect to the internet. The same machine
running XP connects just fine but to be fair I have always thought that it
took a bit too long to make the connect.

After setting an alternate connection to an IP address consistant with my
router I can now connect every time I boot. However, it takes a minute to a
minute and a half to make the connection. More reading and I learn that RC1
has some trouble with DHCP and that this should be fixed by final release.
Promises Promises.

On a hunch I plugged my computer directly into the cable modem and booted.
The internet came up immediately.

So, RC1 may have DHCP issues but not when I bypass my router.

Maybe this is old news and maybe not. My couple of cents.