I think your problem is DNS settings.

In the problem computer's standard IE, try going to this url: http://216.239.53.100. If it works, then go to the command prompt, and do two things.

- First, type "ping google.com" - without the quotes, and paste what you get here.
- Secondly, type "ipconfig -all" - without the quotes, and paste what you get here.

That will help us in diagnosing your problem.

I am having a very similar problem except none of my Internet apps will connect. I can ping the remote server and I can connect via a phone line but I cannot browse the web.

I did have an older version of Netscape (4.2 I believe) and the error message I recieved was network socket not available. Any suggestions? I also tried reinstalling Windows XP but that did not help either.

My problem started on July 6 which is close to the same date of this original post.

I am having similar problems but with a number of added variables :/
It is a terminal on a small office network routed by Netgear FR114P to a Static DSL Broadcast. All IPs are assigned by DHCP to the terminals (4) on the WAN.
I have exhausted every trick and tool I have to establish a connection for that terminal.
I have access to it and from it to every other network computer.
All the other computers have access to the internet and similar software profiles
I can ping the other terminals by name and IP, as well as the primary and secondary DNS.
I have the cleared rules and services settings to default and nothing is blocking its address specifically.
I have tried using Opera 7 browser as well as attempted to update my F-Prot from its regular internet uplink.
I have dumped IE settings and reset to default and rebooted enough times to make me feel obsessive compulsive
I have uninstalled/reinsalled NICs as well as physically removed and substituted different
models to give different mac etc.
What is left ? I like to think that I know whats up but most often its a mystery

MuddBhudda, I know EXACTLY what the problem is, I have it too...

So when you start it up, it shows that "Cannot find server" page, right? Thats because you have Kazaa. When you download Kazza and install it, it also adds this spyware thingy called "Search Bar" I believe you can find it on your Internet Explorer toolbar. Yeah, thats the reason why.

You might want to use Ad-Aware to get rid of that toolbar. But even if it's gone, Internet Explorer WILL NOT work.

The only solution that I found that worked was doing a System Reset. I think it only works on XP though. Just make sure you back up all of your files before resetting.

I've a similar problem - removing and reinstalling TCP/IP, DUN & updating IE has not resolved the problem. If you cannot send and receive mail thru Oultook Express then I suggest that a security setting is the problem. I have searched for "security" in the registry and compared with a functioning dial up computer and note that there are some LAN security settings that I feel are probably causing the problem. (This computer was once part of a larger network). I don't know enough about the registry to delete the relevant keys safely, but a registry search might give you the clues that you are looking for.

Here's how I would fix it:
step 1 - retrieve baseball bat from garage or basement
step 2 - hit tower with bat until problem is fixed
step 3 - if that doesnt work sell it on ebay and get another one.

this technique is referred to as "the pass the problems please" theory