internet connectivity problems

Hello,
I have a laptop running windowsXPHome. Windows firewall only (others turned off right now in attempt to fix my problem). Wireless connectivity to home router. I'm able to establish a connection (which is indicated by the icon in the taskbar) with no problems. When I attempt to use either IE7 or Netscape I get the same problem. I am unable to view any websites.

I have a valid IP assigned to me (verified by ipconfig /all command).

The problems all originated when I was infected by malware, a worm of some sorts. I've used a few programs to clean things up but I believe it may have modified some other file that I am unaware of. Some of the files removed: killer.exe, socks.exe, mmwnd.exe, services.exe, arcac.exe, ntos.exe, modified hosts file, and others. So far the tools detect no more viruses or malware, but yet I still have this problem.

I read some place to try to connect with at IP address to see if it might be a DNS problem.

Are there some pointers to follow, or an existing post that can aid in my debug of the problem?

 

UPDATE:
I've ran AD-ware SE, and doctor spyware. NO bugs or malware detected.
I've also run the winsock fix without any luck.
I am still unable to connect via IE7 or netscape. I cannot IM or ping any valid addresses, even as IP numbers.

I've also applied the sfc /scannow tool from the XP installation disk without any luck.

I'm about to re-install windowsXP since I'm out of options.

Anything else anyone can think of?

 

May be this can Help, http://www.ezlan.net/debug.html

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Thank you for the very informative post.

This is exactly what I was looking for before going with the install.
I'll report an update when I get it done.

:major