Strange 2 cold boot sequence required for Internet connection upon startup.

Computer running Windows 8.1.  System hard drive was imaged and new hard drive was installed to replace failing original.  Ever since the drive was replaced, the following boot up routine is required to access the Internet (via Ethernet cable to cable modem).  System is shut down completely every night, but cable modem/router is left on continuously.  Each day when system is cold booted from power off, normal boot occurs except Internet connection is not made.  Error message in Internet Explorer states no IP address found.  System is rebooted, but goes to black splash screen with Dell logo and goes no further.  Computer must be hard shutdown (power button depressed and held) to power off, then powered up again.  After user login, Internet and email can be accessed by browser normally.  Dell support assist does not run past startup of diagnostic.  Ethernet card tested last night showed need for DNS flush, but that changed nothing.  This condition has been going on for several months.