connected problems re retrieving data in 3 progs

[flusters]

I have win98SE and IE6 - with all critical updates installed. Wireless router, ADSL connection.

Have struggled with the following problem for 14 days without any success in resolving.

It now involves 3 different programs although OE, IE, AVG, Zone Alarms are working normally but IE and OE appear to be slightly slower and jerky.

The original problem was with the KVS Availability Tool, a utility which downloads flight availabilty by booking class for a specific date and destination when a date and destination is entered. The error message was "Error requesting info. Resolving Host + Name not resolved (12007)". This has been always been a most reliable tool and the program developer suggests that it is pointing to either a W98 system or firewall /av problem.

The two subsequent problem programs came after I uninstalled all the firewall/av/antispyware programs and re-installed in response to the first problem. There was no problem with re-installation of AVG, AdAware, Zone Alarms, SpyBlaster, SpyGuard, and CW Shredder. Both AVG and AdAware are updating daily and all appear to be running smoothly.

However, Spybot developed a problem after a trouble-free re-installation. When I pushed the update button, the following error message appeared "Error retrieving update info file. Socket Error # 11001. Host not found.". The program itself is working fine and there is a manual download available which I have now used - but the error message remains.

The third problem is now CCleaner. After re-installation, I am unable to open the program and instead receive the following message "CCListBar. Runtime error "0"".

Previously, all three programs have worked fine for years with regular updates etc etc. All three have permissions in ZA.

Have also run AdAware, SpyBot, CWShredder and repaired IE6 - all in safe mode.

I have reported the errors to the prog developers but they feel that it is something within my system. I googled "Socket Errors #11001" and it has been reported previously but I cannot see a resolution.

Did see a vague suggestion that it might be a winsock file or a VB problem but I don't want to compound my error by trying random things that I don't understand. As I have the router (with firewall), feel that I could dispense with ZA?

Should have just re-merged the registry from 13 days ago before I uninstalled/re-installed and updated all these different programs. But I didn't.

Perhaps the answer will be obvious to someone. Would be grateful for any help.

Thanks

Flusters