Since I installed Developer Preview from scratch, and upgraded to Consumer preview, then Windows 8.0 release candidate, then 8.1 upgrade I've been unable to pull an IP address, and network adapter says, "Adapter connected with limited connectivity" and not in a 'state' suitable for "ipconfig /renew".
But for a few months here and there, I have to reboot the PC every time I start it to get connectivity. It seems to depend on the latest patch level. Some working better than others, as it goes out/in after patches are applied (so it's a software issue), but I've only had a total of perhaps 3 months when I had relief and all worked fine. But all in all has been an issue through every release back to Jan 2014, or whenever the previews of Windows 8 first came out.
My personally configured PC consists of:
Biostar N68S3+ motherboard ACPI x86-based PC
Dual AMD Athlon II X2 255 (64 bit, running 32 bit OS)
NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller (onboard)
(with) Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client & VirtualBox Host-Only Ethernet virtual adapter
NVIDIA GeForce 7025/NVIDIA nForce 630a video adapter (onboard), etc. 4GB RAM
Connecting through a bridge/switch and a router naturally, as several PC's and Linux CentOS server are on my network. NO OTHER devices connected have this problem, only all revs of Windows 8.x, so I don't believe it's router or switch related.
Any help from this chronic long term issue appreciated.
Chris