Downloading Issues

I have just recently re-established my Ntl (UK) Broadband Connection, which had previously been working fine. However in the last few days I have encountered a couple of problems. Firstly I am not able to download *certain* files from the net on to my PC. I run Windows XPSP1 and thought it may require me to disable the built in Firewall feature. On checking, this was already disabled. The problem doesn't apply to all files..... for example I am able to use the update features that are part of many of my programs and the Windows Update service works fine. It only appears to be a problem when a File Download window opens - the window opens but nothing happens. The same happens if I right click and Save As. I also use a script (Excursion) and when i begin a XDCC File Transfer on a Server in a Channel it starts for about 5 secs then just stops.

I am not having problems with general surfing..... just D/L. Some stuff is clearly not affected but the bilk of it seems to be. The other problem is regarding my Yahoo Mail box.... when i click on Check Mail a File Download window keeps popping up. Never did this before. Any suggestions greatly welcomed. Regards.

 

Please disregard the Yahoo Mail problem - resolved.

 

Apologies - do not disregard. Prior to this I was able to get into my Mail Box but everything was in gobbledeegook. I had been informed to go to Internet Options ---> Connections ---> LAN Settings and in the Proxy Server section check Use a proxy server for your LAN with the values 80.1.224.4 and 8080 respectively. Apparently this was due to an issue with those using Ntl ISP and Yahoo Mail. Anyway, I just *unchecked* these and I was then able to get into my Mail Box - but each item comes up as gobbledeegook again. I have re-instated those values. Problem still persists.