groucho

Well folks, I actually figured it out - by dumb luck. Unbelievably, what finally fixed this mysterious problem was uninstalling Zone Alarm. Not just turning it off (I'd done that days ago). But actually uninstalling it. I'm totally shooting in the dark here, but I'm guessing there was some residual registry conflict between ZA and the router? Damned if I know, but there you have it... the ONE piece of software I recommend unreservedly to everyone and THAT was the problem. funny stuff, that... Chris

Thanks for the reply. I tried deleting those keys, but still no luck. I even tried installing SP2, on the off chance that might do it. No dice. Keep those ideas coming, folks! I'm getting desperate... thanks much, Chris

Yep, tried that too...

I've tried all those options. Any other ideas? This one has me stumped. thanks, Chris

Well, I've tried everything I can think of - maybe someone here will have a clue about this one. I'm stumped. Here's the situation: Approximately 5 minutes after booting, I suddenly lose the ability to access the web via a browser. I get the "this page cannot be displayed" message - it times out essentially. Now, here's the weird part: I'm not losing internet connectivity - I'm connected (via a cable modem & router) and I can stilll do other internet-related things: telnet, ftp programs, remote access stuff - all still work. Just not Explorer. I've done multiple spyware and virus scans. I'm reasonably satisfied it's not that. Try another browser, you say? I did. Mozilla and Opera both behave the same way. The router? Well, the other computer in the house that is wirelessly connected to the router is working fine. My network card? Why would it ONLY affect web browsing? Wouldn't it render ALL internet-related connectivity screwed up if that were the problem? And remember: it works immediately after booting. It's as if a few minutes in, the computer just decides to not let me browse. I'm on XP Pro, SPI (haven't done 2 yet). Celeron 2 ghz. Anyone have ANY idea? Both Microsoft and my internet provider have been totally stumped. thanks much, Chris