Internet connected but connect to anything

[Ardivian]

my ISP is Charter Comm. AFter about 5 minutes of trying
to surf the net, Internet Explorer stops working even
though I'm already connected to internet.
If i've already had something connected lets say IRC, AIM
or any other messenger they STAY connected. But I'm
unable to h ave anything else connected to internet, such
as bringing up webpages, etc. I've called Charter and
they say i'm still connected to NET. I've tested this
with ping commands in DOS prompt. I have no idea what to
do now. I've called Microsoft, but of course I have to
pay for this prized information I seek.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Malke]

my ISP is Charter Comm. AFter about 5 minutes of trying
to surf the net, Internet Explorer stops working even
though I'm already connected to internet.
If i've already had something connected lets say IRC, AIM
or any other messenger they STAY connected. But I'm
unable to h ave anything else connected to internet, such
as bringing up webpages, etc. I've called Charter and
they say i'm still connected to NET. I've tested this
with ping commands in DOS prompt. I have no idea what to
do now. I've called Microsoft, but of course I have to
pay for this prized information I seek.

Actually, I don't think this is anything that would be covered under
free support, nor do I think it really has anything to do with your
operating system (XP). It *might* be a problem with IE, but there are
some important troubleshooting steps to take first:

1) scan with current antivirus ("current" means a version not earlier
than 2002 but using updated virus definitions); 2) remove spyware with
Spybot Search & Destroy (www.security.kolla.de) and Ad-aware
(www.lavasoftusa.com). Be sure to update these programs before running,
and it is a good idea to do virus/spyware scans in Safe Mode; 3) delete
temporary and Temporary Internet Files; 4) stop unnecessary services
programs from starting with Windows - see www.blackviper.com for
services info and www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm for programs
info - 5) look in Event Viewer for clues.

Since you say you can stay connected to IRC, it is unlikely that there
is a physical problem with your hardware (nic, cable). It is far more
likely that you've got some parasites on board. After you've scanned
for viruses and other malware and you're sure your computer is clean,
if you're still having problems, please repost. Be sure to tell us what
you've already done to troubleshoot. I understand that you are
frustrated, and there are lots of people here willing to help you.

Malke