This link might hold the clue

by Figmore - 11/22/08 7:23 PM

In Reply to: Then by R. Proffitt Moderator

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window-on-windows/?p=485

quote: If you configure a Windows 2000 Professional computer for automatic IP address assignment and no DHCP server is found on the network, Windows 2000 Professional automatically assigns itself a unique address in the ===169.254.x.x=== class B address space (subnet mask 255.255.0.0). It scans the network periodically for a DHCP; if one is found, it takes an address lease from the server. Otherwise, it continues using its APIPA address.

That's interesting for 2 reasons:
1. The incorrect Ip addres I saw in event viewer, after using 'Internet Connection Wizard', was 169.254.x.x
2. Prior to my machine crashing (see note below) I noticed that my address lease was being renewed on a daily basis, and sometimes more frequently.

I do not think my machine crashed as a result of network issues.

NOTE: I am in new living quarters. ISP provided by landlord (who is now in a boat off the coast of Curaao, the lucky ...)

I don't know enough about networks to make sensible decisions.

I can connect to the ISP (automatically) on a vista machine - how do I setup a windows 2000 machine to do the same?