Multiple Network Connections After A Restart?

I have updated several computers to Windows 7. On this particular computer (Dell Dimension 8400 desktop with Ethernet connection), each time there is a reboot or shutdown, when I log back in, the computer is disconnected from the network. I see that the router gives the computer an IP address, but Internet Explorer does not open Websites, Outlook does not receive email, etc.When I navigate to the 'Network and Sharing Center', I notice that there are 2 'Network Locations' - 1 'home' and 1 'public'. I have attempted to delete the 'public' location, and I have also attempted to merge the 2 'Network Locations' into 1. This seems to work, but I still cannot surf the Internet. Also, after a reboot, the 2 'Network Locations' are back--even after I merged or deleted them.

I have found a workaround for this. After each reboot and/or shutdown, I navigate to the 'Network and Sharing Center', I click on 'Change adaptor settings', I right-click to 'disable' the 'Local Area Connection', and finally I 'right-click' to 'enable' the 'Local Area Connection'. At that point, the 'public' location goes away (which leave only the 'home' connection) and I am able to immediately surf the Internet, receive email through Outlook, etc.This is a major issue because if the computer is rebooted, I can no longer connect to it remotely, until I am in front of the computer again to disable/re-enable the 'Local Area Connection' adaptor