>Have you checked the manufacturer's web site to see if there is an updated driver?

I took a look at it. This seems to be pretty old.

>1. Uninstall any software provided with the device

Realtek.com provides a global package about those adapters. I am not sure if this is what I have to install.

>2. Restart

This has been done several times.

>3. Let Windows find a driver for it. If Windows has one (even if it's generic for Realtek) it may be better tested/certified and may work better than the manufacturer's.

Windows says I am up to date.

>Some other experiences at http://www.eightforums.com/network-sharing/33594-windows-8-1-loses-wired-internet-connection.html?s=0b4a1e5ba8a929423995594369618309 .

Yes, it seems I am not the only one having problems with that.

>Come to think of it, Hugo had a network disconnection problem with Windows 8.1 that he was eventually able to solve: Message#1621980 . That turned out to be a server policy setting.

In my case, this would not be a factor.