Can't browse after about 5 minutes

[groucho]

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

[MCT]

check processes u have running @ startup (start > run > msconfig)

check your hosts file ("%windir%\system32\Drivers\etc")

download http://ccleaner.com & use that 2 clean all the crap out of your pc, maybe something in your temp files is actin weird

[groucho]

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

thanks,

Chris

[MCT]

goto control panel > Internet Options > Advanced Tab > restore defaults (its a button tward the bottom)

[groucho]

Yep, tried that too...

[MCT]

well im outta ideas

[jpatto]

I've come across this one before and SOMETIMES the following works (remember to backup your registry before going ahead):

1. Click Start, and then click Run.

2. Type regedit, and then click OK.

3. Locate and then click the following key in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RasMan

4. In the RasMan key, locate and then click the ObjectName string value.

This should be set to LocalSystem, if not change it.

5. Locate and then double-click the following key in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RasMan\PPP\EAP\25

6. Delete it.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to delete the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RasMan\PPP\EAP\26

8. Quit registry editor, and then restart your computer.

You may also want to reinstall IE via the c:\windows\inf folder

[groucho]

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

[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

[00buck]

I had a similar experience with Zone Alarm and after cleaning it out of the registry and reinstalling it worked ok again.

[mazin]

I get the "this page cannot be displayed" message ...

So, how can you see us now?!

My useless idea is that you forgot to install MSJVM.

EDIT: Ooops! Sorry, I posted before reading your above posts.