Member Avatar for SuperSam

Hi speed cable connection. I can surf the internet in safe mode with networking but unable to surf the Net in regular desktop. OS-> XP Pro. Uninstalled SP2. No go. No other firewalls. NAV 2003. Performed MSCONFIG. No go. Antispyware scan with MS Antispyware says "No spyware found". Please help.

Sam.

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The pattern described by (networking works in Safe Mode with Networking but not in a normal boot) points at a software-layer problem rather than a physical network fault: browser add-ons or proxy settings, a corrupted Winsock/LSP, or a network filter/driver installed by security software. 's suggestion to try a different browser is a good quick diagnostic because it separates an IE-only problem from a system-wide networking issue.

Recommended checklist (run in order):

  • Test an alternate browser to see whether the problem is IE-specific.
  • Perform a true clean boot: run msconfig, on the Services tab check "Hide all Microsoft services" then disable the remainder; disable all nonessential Startup entries; reboot and test.
  • Check IE connection settings: Tools -> Internet Options -> Connections -> LAN Settings. Make sure no proxy or auto-config script is set unless intentionally used.
  • Repair the network stack (open a Command Prompt as admin and run the resets below, then restart): 
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
  • Inspect the hosts file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts) for unexpected entries and remove them.
  • If a security suite like Norton is present, use the vendor's removal/cleanup tool (not just Add/Remove) to fully remove residual drivers/filters that can remain after an uninstall.

Notes and cautions: resetting Winsock/TCP can affect VPN or third-party filter drivers; create a System Restore point or backup the registry before major changes. Avoid running unknown “fix” tools without verifying their source. If none of the steps above resolves the issue, a repair install of IE/Windows or a complete removal of the security suite (followed by a clean reinstall) is often the next practical move.

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Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

Do any of your other internet programs (instant messengers, email client, etc) work?

You might want to try a more comprehensive set of scans. Microsoft AS and Norton won't catch everything (actually, there is much that both of those miss). Go to the link at the bottom of my sig and run through the first two steps. This will perform a very thorough scan of your system and will find almost any problem software that could be on your computer.

Member Avatar for SuperSam

Sorry, I did not mention that I can succesfully PING sites like google.com and IPCONFIG shows a valid IP address. I'm pretty sure something is blocking IE from displaying web pages. Wonder what... And MS Antispyware did not even detect one spyware/adware. I've also used the IE Fix utility. No go. Also optimized IE. Still no go.

Sam.

Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

I guess I could always use this opportunity to plug my favorite browser, Firefox. Try installing and running a different browser and see if you get different results.

Did you try going to that guide I talked about?

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