To get the Default settings back and see if it makes any difference do this
Open Internet Explorer click on the "Advanced" tab and locate the "Restore defaults" button then after
pressing it hit the Apply button Ok? then see what happens?
*** Idea! Do this offline then reset the computer that way you start from scratch
*** BTW Is it also loosing the link to the Internet when this happens? or does it continue?
If its the first thing then the Connection will have to be remade But...There are several different ways to remake this but repost if you get into bother?
The easiest way is to reload your ISP disk if you have one and it'll overwrite the old files usually come with a copy of Internet Explorer preset for that ISP
Beyond that you may have to post here for help OR phone your ISPs Help line
Maybe somebody here on AP has the same ISP as yourself and knows the installation details

BTW ISP=Aol.Msn. ect...
Can you tell us who is yours?