I remember a patch Microsoft released nearly a year ago, last three
digits of the update number was 478 if memory serves. This particular
patch was to the TCP/IP stack, and it reacted very poorly on its initial
release with Zonealarm and other 3rd party firewalls, to the point of
breaking the stack for high-level apps like browsers and mail readers,
but not stack utilities like PING and TRACERT. This could be a similar
occurrence to that, or it could be a program inserting a reference into
the TCP/IP stack that points nowhere and produces similar symptoms. I
say sweep the computer for viruses and make sure it has the good version
of that patch I mentioned. Uninstalling and reinstalling 3rd party
firewalls might also help some.

-------- Original Message --------
 Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] WinVistaHomeBasic Internet Explorer
 From: Doug Simmons <[log in to unmask]>
 Date: Sun, September 20, 2009 7:37 am
 To: [log in to unmask]
 
 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
 
 The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website,
 web based bulletinboard for questions and answers:
 Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com

                         PCBUILD's List Owners:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                        Mark Rode<[log in to unmask]>