No web access in normal mode

I can't access the web with any browser in normal mode (page cannot be displayed message) but can in safe mode w/ networking. I ran virus scans per this website's instructions and TimW said my logs are all clean. I tried the recommendations at the beginning of the virus removal procedure such as clearing the cache, resetting winsocks, flushing the dns, and deleting temp files. I disabled my wireless network connection and vice-versa - no difference. I can ping websites OK from cmd prompt & my computer says it's connected. I disabled all firewalls I could find. I reset the DHCP & DNS services. I tried running the browsers with add-ons disabled. There's nothing in the HOSTS file. I took my PC to a friend's house - no dice. I tried running with and without IPv6 protocols. I tried everything I can think of, so what am I missing?!

What networking services run in safe mode with networking that allows me to access the web?

 

It's not what is running in Safe Mode, it is what is running in Normal Mode in addition to the Safe Mode services that is probably the cause.
Would you happen to have additional connection software applications installed?
You might try disabling or uninstalling any additional applications and just let Windows manage the connections.

 

The one thing I didn't see in your post was, have you looked to see if the browser is set to use a proxy?

In IE go to Tools > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings and make sure none of the boxes are checked.

In Safe Mode, IE opens in a different profile then it does when your in your regular user account. Most browsers except Firefox use the IE settings.

 

you can ping google.com and not browse. Yikes!

I would check what was previously suggested -- for the proxy as shnerdly suggested and ibmest's suggestion if some connection software isn't cooperating (Intel, dell control point, etc. NIC cards can have software too)

What version of windows is this?
Check the device manager for any yellow exclamation points or red X's. Make sure you go into VIEW and check Show Hidden Devices.

If everything there looks ok, go into the services
Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services.
Make sure that some critical services are started. For now, don't change the settings, just start the service if it isn't started. List any that weren't already started or if they are missing.

DHCP Client
DNS Client
Network Connections
Remote Access Connection Manager
Remote Procedure Call
TCP/IP NetBios Helper
WebClient
Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Workstation

Of course, if you're lucky you won't have to go this far

 

Thanks for all the replies!

As it turns out, there was an item called "LiveUpdate Notice (Symantec Corporation)" in Programs and Features that I couldn't remove normally, so I had to install Revo Uninstaller & rip out the program by its guts! After rebooting, I was able to connect to the web!

However, now I'm getting some messages saying Windows was unable to install some devices. I checked Device manager, including hidden devices, and found a few items in an error state:

Symantec Eraser Control driver "This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed. (Code 24)"

SYMTDI "This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed. (Code 24)"

Unknown device 3 times "This device is not configured correctly. (Code 1)(Physical Device Object names for each: \Device\00000016, \Device\0000001d, \Device\0000001e)

There are several items under Non-Plug and Play Drivers that start with "SYM". All but 1 show that they are working normally. They are:
SYMDNS
SymEvent
SYMFW
SYMIDS
SYMNDISV
SYMREDRV
SYMTDI - in an error state, as mentioned above.

I assume all of the above items are related to Symantec as well, but I'm not sure. Is it safe to remove/disable these?