Internet only runs in Safe Mode

I'm running Vista Home Basic. Before moving, Comcast was my internet provider and everything ran fast and fine. After moving, Charter Internet became my provider. When I attempted to connect to the internet it would barely connect to my homepage if at all before I'd get the message that the server timed out. I contacted Charter assuming it was their problem, however after the rep ran me through a couple tests, she asked me to start my comp in safe mode. It was then I discovered my comp connects to the internet fast and runs fast and fine in Safe Mode only. The rep told me their was something on my comp causing my problem. I don't understand how it could work fine with one provider and not another. I didn't add or remove any programs between moving. Any help would be appreciated!

 

I have Windows Firewall enabled.

 

I disabled Windows Firewall, restarted in normal mode and still the same thing. I had to restart in Safe Mode with Networking to log back in here to reply.

 

good chance that it is just a plugin/addon in IE that is causing the issue.

when in 'normal' mode, click on start - programs - accessories - system tools - Internet Explorer (no addons).

if that works perfectly (which it should as that is how IE runs when windows is in safe mode), then to reset IE, open up IE like normal.

click on Tools - Internet Options - Advanced - then at the bottom right, click on "RESET". it restores IE to basic functionality (ie, strips out all addons/plugins). You'll have to reinstall things like flashplayer, etc.... but if it works, it works, eh?

 

Tollhouse Frank -

Thank you for replying and for your help. I did exactly as you instructed, and although my internet did finally connect in regular mode, it was extremely slow. When I attempted to connect to the forum, I got the message "Network Timed Out" and had to reconnect in Safe Mode with Networking to reply to your message.

 

Hi Halo, thank you for your reply and for your help. I connected to Comcast with a wired connection. I am still connecting via wired connection, only it's a different modem of course provided by Charter Communications. No Comcast software was installed.

I use Firefox, but I did as you suggested in IE and there is nothing listed in the connection box.

 

what version of windows do you have? Sounds like the next step is to rip out the tcp/ip components and reinstall them, and knowing which version of window syou have will help us get you appropriate instructions

 

Hi Tollhouse Frank -

I'm running Vista.

 

Thanks for all your help guys. I got so frustrated with it this morning I decided to just reformat and reinstall Vista. My internet works fine now in regular mode.

 

i was hoping to avoid having you reinstall windows. reinstalling components of windows is much quicker than the 2-3 hours it takes to install vista.