Member Avatar for Puddster

I've seen this problem before on here, however was unable to solve it in the same way as the previous user.

My laptop got sent off for repair last week, and since it came back, I cannot get it to connect to the internet using Mozilla or IE6.

In safe mode, I can browse and download, but can't install anything (RPC won't load), in normal mode, I can connect to the network and ping using cmd, but I cannot browse or connect to MSN.

I've tried both the wireless system (connects fine, excellent signal and 54Mbps speed) and wired system (Connest fine, 100Mbps). Neither of which will let me surf!

There's a free beer waiting down my local for whoever helps the best! :p

Tech info:
AMD 3.0 Ghz
2GB RAM
Win XP SP2

AVG anti virus (up-to-date with a clean computer)
AVG anti-spyware (Up-to-date with a clean computer)
Norton internet security (installed, but not active)

Anything else you need to know, please ask.

Many thanks in advance!

puddster

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by ttp

Dani AI

Generated

A common cause for "connected but no web browsing" is when a third-party network filter or driver interferes with the TCP/IP stack. and already touched on that pattern; the behavior where basic network utilities still work but browsers cannot is a strong sign the problem is happening inside the Windows network stack (layered service providers, filter drivers, or a resident firewall/proxy). The checklist below describes safe, reversible diagnostics and fixes to try next time this happens.

Try these steps in order (create a restore point first):

  • Clean-boot to isolate services: run msconfig, choose Selective startup, on the Services tab check "Hide all Microsoft services" then Disable All; reboot and test. If browsing returns, re-enable services in small groups to find the culprit.
  • Reset network stacks: open an elevated command prompt and run:
    netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt
ipconfig /flushdns

    Reboot after these commands.

  • Check proxy/hosts: in Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings, ensure no proxy is set. Inspect C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts for unexpected entries.
  • Look for local proxies or listening helpers: run netstat -ano while attempting to browse; a browser trying to connect to localhost:xxxx can indicate a local web-proxy from a security product.
  • Verify services: ensure Base Filtering Engine and core networking services are running. Use Sysinternals Autoruns to find third-party networking drivers and disable them temporarily.

If an anti-virus/firewall suite is present, use the vendor’s official removal/cleanup tool before reinstalling — many suites install low-level drivers that must be removed cleanly. As a last resort on older Windows installs, a repair install or a manual reinstall of networking drivers may be required. For extended debugging, capturing traffic with Wireshark will show whether HTTP requests ever leave the machine.

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Member Avatar for Puddster

I fixed it eventually. If anyone else find theirselves in this position, all I done was downloaded Norton removal Suite, my Norton had corrupted so I removed and and now it all works fine.

Thanks to those who took the time to read this anyway though.

Member Avatar for ttp

if i had read this when you posted i would have suggested the same//really any time 2 anti-virus or firewall programs are on the same box, it breaks at least one of them//you may want to pull out the avg and do a fresh install as well--just to be sure.

I fixed it eventually. If anyone else find theirselves in this position, all I done was downloaded Norton removal Suite, my Norton had corrupted so I removed and and now it all works fine.

Thanks to those who took the time to read this anyway though.

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