@rerwin :
I find the easiest way around that 'Default' issue is simply to re-run the internet Connection Wizard from the Menu.....which then gives the list of choices to select from again.
With regard to that last item you mentioned, I've had it happen to me a number of times. You get 169.254.xxx.xxx; you appear to have an internet connection, but you are NOT, in fact, connected. It's not a proper sub-net address.
These days, I always use Dougal's Network Wizard, forgo the "delights" of DHCP.....and set-up 'statics'. Works for me.
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BTW; not enough people say it, so I will now..... Thanks for everything you do, Richard.....especially this networking stuff. It IS very much appreciated. As I've noted on a number of occasions, browsers are the "glue" that hold our on-line communities together. And without the ability to get the things connected, on-line, even they are useless.
Mike.