Windows 2K restarts when IP address is obtained

On a Dell running Windows 2000, the machine restarts while at the point in the startup process at which it accesses its network connection. I have run Norton Antivirus, AVG Anti-spyware, and Spybot Search and Destroy, and removed a number of items, but the problem still occurs. If I start up with the network cable disconnected, all is well - no problem. Does this sound like a symptom that you have seen before? Note that we have already done troubleshooting via WTT as far as a malicious cause, and found nothing. We have also run Winsock Fix, with no effect. The computer restarts as soon as an IP address is obtained - it does not matter whether the address is coming directly from a router or cable modem. If one starts up with the network cable disconnected, everything works fine, soon after connecting the cable, the computer will restart, and will continue to restart unless the cable is disconnected. Thank you.

Hi h2oeco, I have to admit that I'm just scratching my head and guessing here, but it may be useful. Do you happen to have a third-party Wake on LAN application utility installed on that machine? In BIOS do you have Wake on LAN - Enabled as an item in the Boot Order Sequence? Best Regards

Hi Doug, Thanks for the ideas. I will check. I actually am going to try replacing the NIC tomorrow. The current one is integrated, but I can drop a replacement into a PCI slot. I'll post again once I know more.