Intel Boot Agent problem

Boot-up problem is on a Toshiba Satellite Pro laptop, 5105-S501. The installed OS is Ubuntu, Rel 6.06. The base install went on with no problems. Subsequent to the install, the system downloaded and successfully installed some 250+ updates, again with no problems.

If I boot-up the laptop without being connected to the ethernet, there are no problems. The boot goes as planned and I ultimately reach the Ubuntu logon screen.

The problem comes in when I attempt to boot this machine while connected to the ethernet coax. Immediately after power-on, the Intel boot-agent activates. Next, the machine attempts to retrieve an IP via DHCP thru the network domain controller (windows network). This likewise goes satisfactorily.

That same boot agent then attempts a TFTP connection. I receive (3) successive PXE-E32 TFTP OPEN TIMEOUT errors over approx. a 5-8 min. time period. After that, the boot agent exits and the machine boots normally.

Following the boot, I then examine the network connection which shows that the ethernet connection is active, no IP was assigned via DHCP.

Any assistance in resolving this issue would be most appreciated.

Regards,

Steve