I'm already using static IP addresses on the VMs.  Having said that, the VMs can talk to each other regardless of startup or restart, it's the host they won't talk to and the host does use dhcp, Sky broadband. I don't think I can do much about that. Also, like you, I don't see why a restart would make any difference to that.

I'm resigned to doing a restart before anything that involves host/guest communication. Thanks one more time for your help and suggestions.

Cheers

Sue