Most (but not all) internet is blocked

Hi, all.

I'm helping a friend clean up a Windows XP Home system that's having internet issues. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

As far as I can tell, the only program that can access the internet is internet explorer. All other programs (Firefox, AVG update, Spybot update, etc) fail to connect to the internet. However, I can connect in Safe Mode so this is how I updated my definition files.

When using Internet Explorer, I can't log into hotmail. I enter a password and I receive an error - "The page cannot be displayed" with title bar text "Cannot find server"

Does it sound familiar to anyone?

I've now installed, updated, and run
- AVG Antivirus
- Spyware Doctor
- Spybot Search & Destroy
- Adaware
This thing was pretty bad when I got it.... some 2000 viruses & spywares cleaned up already.

I didn't see anything that stands out in the HJT log, but I'm relatively new with that program. I don't want to delete any necessary exe's.

Thanks again, my fellow geeks.

 

If it connects in safe mode but not normal mode then it sounds obvious that something is loading up in normal thats either blocking or hi-jacking your connection.

Using Dial Up or ADSL?

Is this PC running a firewall of any description, Zone Alarm, Norton, McAfee? If so is the windows firewall turned off (In SP2 it is turned on automatically)

On Internet Explorer (logged in as normal not in safe mode) try going to tools -> Internet options and go through the tabs and see if anything screams out at ya. Especially on the Security, Connections and Programs tabs. You could try resetting defaults on the Advanced Tab

Try that for now theres more.........

 

Bit drastic at the moment.......... But would sort the problem right out !!

 

It sure is a bit drastic.

I would start with the firewall first (as suggested), disable it and see if it makes any difference.

Steve

 

Yeah, it's gonna take too long to fix this puppy. I'm gonna have her pull the important files off this thing, then re-install Windows.

Somehow these viruses turned Admin Access OFF for all accounts. I don't think it's the firewall 'cause I can still ping domains from the command prompt. Firefox and everything else can't get on the net, however.

This computer still has a 6 month expired version of Norton, the worst virus known to man! BTW, was it just a lucky guess my friend is a girl?

Thanks again for the help. MajorGeeks rules. Maybe you can do a pumpkin stencil next year? Happy Hallowe'en, Everybody!

http://vrombc.com/img/Scott/pumpkins2.JPG