I had this exact same problem come up on my PC after one of the 
updates for IE several months ago.  There was an incompatibility with 
one of the programs I was running (either antivirus, firewall or some 
similar program).  I had to install a fix for that program, but now I 
can't remember which program caused the problem.  The program didn't 
automatically update to prevent the problem.  Maybe someone can 
remember that incident and see if that is the problem that Kevin is having.

Doug


>-------- Original Message --------
>Subject: [PCBUILD] WinVistaHomeBasic Internet Explorer
>From: [log in to unmask]
>Date: Thu, September 17, 2009 2:52 pm
>To: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>I hope I'm asking the correct list. If not, let me know and I'll repost
>on PCSOFT.
>
>My neighbor's computer (Windows Vista Home Basic) has internet explorer.
>
>He's connected to DSL. Funny thing is when he opens IE he gets error
>message saying that page cannot be opened and then the obligatory
>diagnose
>connection.
>
>He is able to connect and check his email via windows mail, can do the
>Windows Update through the "tools" tab from IE but not get connected via
>IE.
>
>I went to internet properties and all appeared ok: set to auto for
>discovering connection etc. Although I noticed the firewall was off. I
>turned it back on. He can't connect to update his antivirus subscription
>either.
>But we know there's a dsl connection (lights green on modem, the number
>1 position on modem blinks--that's the connection to his computer)
>otherwise he wouldn't be able to connect to get his email.
>
>I tried system restore. Restarted computer, pushed F11 for system
>restore, and went back to furthest date: 8-30-09. It started but then
>stopped and said there was an error doing system restore and no 
>files have been
>changed.
>
>What should I do next?
>
>TIA,
>Kevin Nowicki

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