Disable Dell ControlPoint Network Card Options

The new Dell E6500 laptops are great machines and have all kinds of features to help conserve energy.  One of those features is to turn the network card when running on battery power and not connected to a network.  That sounds like a good idea, but here's an instance where I have seen a problem.  You have been out using your notebook and return to the office, set the laptop down on the docking station, and power up.  After the machine is completely booted- up, you start an internet application (IE, FireFox, GroupWise, GroupWise IM), but the machine will not connect.  After some troubleshooting, we figured out the problem.  The Dell Control Point software is set to disable the Network card when on battery power and not connected to a network.  The docking station does not re-enable the card. 

Quick solution - Disable the Dell Control Point Feature!