More news:

1. gtj, if you're reading this: thanks again for your help. I think I found the error for my TCP/IP error....it's really a MICROSOFT bug this time
Note that this is preliminary pending further testing but:
- Looking at my logs, the error occurred early on after Vista install every time, but only after use of Windows Media player...that I use right at installation to test sound/sound card drivers and surround sound
- I happened to catch a TCP/IP error "limit reached" in event log within 30 seconds of occurrence: there were several SYN_SENT messages for...Windows Media Player!
- I install iTunes as I was planning anyway, and will test not using WMP and see what happens
- I test my theory: although I used CUSTOM install and deselected ALL possible options where WMP connects to Intrnert (NO don't check my library no don't update etc etc), if I add several songs at once, WMP connects to check something, maybe codecs, to an IP address that has issues. HENCE the multiple failed connections AT ONCE, and the limit reached.
TEST: I select 35 songs, right click, add to WMP, or Play in WMP: it starts playing , I go to Event Log and BAM, there goes the TCP/IP error, and in netstat SYN_SENT errors from WMP!!!

Ah ah ah....

2. Re: my previous post and this one: I wonder how things were done without internet and forums before...I would have never solved my other bugs because not being able to confirm that other users see the same stuff or not, when it occurs or not, etc. Plus it helped because with just calling Intel there was no resolution.