No internet connection works + new computer slowness. HJT log incl

[PatriciaG]

I posted yesterday under the title : 'Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error'.
Here is an update to the status of my desktop:
- Yesterday I removed manually the Earthlink registry entries, and also
removed the program "smproxy.exe" from c:\windows\surfmonkey\.
- After a restart (in which I've also made sure the smproxy startup item is
disabled), the 'Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error' issue disappeared.
HOWEVER, I am still unable to connect to the internet, and I've noticed new
slowliness when my machine restarts.
I've run 'Hijack This' once again, and here is the log I get at this time:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 8:13:54 PM, on 2/3/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16762)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device
Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Matrix Storage Manager\iaantmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL$MICROSOFTSMLBIZ\Binn\sqlservr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Engine\16.2.0.7\ccSvcHst.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Engine\16.2.0.7\ccSvcHst.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Musicmatch\Musicmatch Jukebox\mm_tray.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Modem Event Monitor\IntelMEM.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Matrix Storage Manager\iaanotif.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\MUSICM~3\MMDiag.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\DMXLauncher.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktopIndex.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2ZS\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\Musicmatch Jukebox\mim.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2ZS\DVDAudio\CTDVDDET.EXE
C:\Program Files\Corel\Corel Photo Album 6\MediaDetect.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE
C:\Program Files\DellSupport\DSAgnt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\palmOne\Hotsync.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
C:\Program Files\palmOne\LifeDriveMgrTray.exe
C:\Program Files\palmOne\PalmOneLiveConnect.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\Common\COMPON~1\MMCOMP~1.EXE
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
http://www.chicagotribune.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL =
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL =
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page =
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet
Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper -
{06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat
7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: RealPlayer Download and Record Plugin for Internet Explorer -
{3049C3E9-B461-4BC5-8870-4C09146192CA} - C:\Program
Files\Real\RealPlayer\rpbrowserrecordplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} -
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll
O2 - BHO: Symantec NCO BHO - {602ADB0E-4AFF-4217-8AA1-95DAC4DFA408} -
C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Engine\16.2.0.7\coIEPlg.dll
O2 - BHO: IE_PopupBlocker Class - {656EC4B7-072B-4698-B504-2A414C1F0037} -
C:\Program Files\EarthLink TotalAccess\Accelerator\prpl_IePopupBlocker.dll
(file missing)
O2 - BHO: Symantec Intrusion Prevention -
{6D53EC84-6AAE-4787-AEEE-F4628F01010C} - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet
Security\Engine\16.2.0.7\IPSBHO.DLL
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In SSV Helper -
{761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program
Files\Java\jre6\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} -
c:\program files\google\googletoolbar5.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO -
{AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program
Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\3.1.807.1746\swg.dll
O2 - BHO: GoogleAFE - {CA6319C0-31B7-401E-A518-A07C3DB8F777} - c:\Program
Files\GoogleAFE\GoogleAE.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper -
{DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program
Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} -
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program
files\google\googletoolbar5.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton Toolbar - {7FEBEFE3-6B19-4349-98D2-FFB09D4B49CA} -
C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Engine\16.2.0.7\coIEPlg.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common
Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program
Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe"
-atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MMTray] "C:\Program Files\Musicmatch\Musicmatch
Jukebox\mm_tray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MimBoot] C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\MUSICM~3\mimboot.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common
Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] "C:\Program Files\Common
Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\isuspm.exe" -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelMeM] C:\Program Files\Intel\Modem Event
Monitor\IntelMEM.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IAAnotif] C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Matrix Storage
Manager\iaanotif.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Google Desktop Search] "C:\Program Files\Google\Google
Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe" /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDLauncher] "C:\Program
Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dscactivate] "C:\Program Files\Dell Support
Center\gs_agent\custom\dsca.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DMXLauncher] C:\Program Files\Dell\Media
Experience\DMXLauncher.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTSysVol] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2ZS\Surround
Mixer\CTSysVol.exe /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTDVDDET] "C:\Program
Files\Creative\SBAudigy2ZS\DVDAudio\CTDVDDET.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Corel Photo Downloader] C:\Program Files\Corel\Corel
Photo Album 6\MediaDetect.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control
Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] C:\Program
Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft
ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [E6TaskPanel] "C:\Program Files\EarthLink
TotalAccess\TaskPanl.exe" -winstart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DellSupport] "C:\Program Files\DellSupport\DSAgnt.exe"
/startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe (User
'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe (User
'Default user')
O4 - Startup: LifeDriveâ„¢ Manager.lnk = C:\Program
Files\palmOne\LifeDriveMgrTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program
Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program
Files\palmOne\Hotsync.exe
O4 - Global Startup: QuickBooks Update Agent.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common
Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBUpdate\qbupdate.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Service Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL
Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: VPN Client.lnk = ?
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel -
res://C:\Programs\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite -
{2EAF5BB1-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft
ActiveSync\inetrepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} -
C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\inetrepl.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... -
{2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft
ActiveSync\inetrepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} -
C:\Programs\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Run IMVU - {d9288080-1baa-4bc4-9cf8-a92d743db949} -
C:\Documents and Settings\pgoldweic\Start Menu\Programs\IMVU\Run IMVU.lnk
(file missing)
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} -
C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 -
{e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network
Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} -
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger -
{FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://service1.symantec.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://www.symantec.com
O16 - DPF: {3451DEDE-631F-421C-8127-FD793AFC6CC8} -
https://www-secure.symantec.com/techsupp/asa/ctrl/SymAData.cab
O16 - DPF: {44990200-3C9D-426D-81DF-AAB636FA4345} (Symantec SmartIssue) -
https://www-secure.symantec.com/techsupp/asa/ctrl/tgctlsi.cab
O16 - DPF: {44990301-3C9D-426D-81DF-AAB636FA4345} (Symantec Script Runner
Class) - https://www-secure.symantec.com/techsupp/asa/ctrl/tgctlsr.cab
O16 - DPF: {54BE6B6F-3056-470B-97E1-BB92E051B6C4} (DeviceEnum Class) -
http://h30155.www3.hp.com/ediags/dd/install/HPDriverDiagnosticsxp2k.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) -
http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1137879803968
O16 - DPF: {6A344D34-5231-452A-8A57-D064AC9B7862} (Symantec Download
Manager) - https://webdl.symantec.com/activex/symdlmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) -
http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1166277342781
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) -
http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O18 - Protocol: symres - {AA1061FE-6C41-421F-9344-69640C9732AB} - C:\Program
Files\Norton Internet Security\Engine\16.2.0.7\coIEPlg.dll
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\PROGRA~1\Google\GOOGLE~1\GOEC62~1.DLL
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common
Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. -
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program
Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd -
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service (CVPND) - Cisco Systems, Inc.
- C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe
O23 - Service: DSBrokerService - Unknown owner - C:\Program
Files\DellSupport\brkrsvc.exe
O23 - Service: EarthLink Monitor Service (EarthLinkMonitor) - Unknown owner
- C:\Program Files\EarthLink TotalAccess\WENGINE\wmonitor.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program
Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) Matrix Storage Event Monitor (IAANTMon) - Intel
Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Matrix Storage Manager\iaantmon.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision
Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel
32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program
Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun
Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService (NetSvc) - Intel(R) Corporation -
C:\Program Files\Intel\PROSetWired\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Internet Security - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program
Files\Norton Internet Security\Engine\16.2.0.7\ccSvcHst.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec RemoteAssist - Symantec, Inc. - C:\Program
Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Support Controls\ssrc.exe

--
End of file - 13134 bytes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A couple more facts that might be relevant:

1- Last nighty, I did a full scan with Norton (virus defs updated 3 days
ago; the last day I had access to the internet) and it found and removed one
trojan horse item.

2- The same day that I was working on the Earthlink installation, I remember
installing, using for 5 minutes, and then uninstalling the Windows Defender
application (at the time I installed, I did not realize that it was also a
kind of firewall; and when I realized, I figured that it was better to remove
it since it could conflict with the firewall provided by the Norton Internet
Security 2009 program, which is currently running).
I am now wondering whether these two apps actually conflicted during those
few minutes they were both running, and whether I'm now seeing the results of
that??

Any help will be deeply appreciated

 

[John Wunderlich]

2- The same day that I was working on the Earthlink installation,
I remember installing, using for 5 minutes, and then uninstalling
the Windows Defender application (at the time I installed, I did
not realize that it was also a kind of firewall; and when I
realized, I figured that it was better to remove it since it could
conflict with the firewall provided by the Norton Internet
Security 2009 program, which is currently running). I am now
wondering whether these two apps actually conflicted during those
few minutes they were both running, and whether I'm now seeing the
results of that??

You might try running [freeware] LSPFix. It sometimes fixes problems
caused by improper removal of Spyware or Firewall programs.

<http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm>

Please don't post HijackThis logs in this newsgroup.
There is a automated log reader at:
http://www.hijackthis.de
as well as several other forums for posting your logs.

HTH,
John

 

[PatriciaG]

OK, will try this out today, and will not post HJT logs here. BTW, could you
perhaps mention the name of some reputable forums in which I could post the
Hijack This logs? I've posted here since I've been hesitant to use other
public forums without knowing about their reputability. Thanks in advance.

2- The same day that I was working on the Earthlink installation,
I remember installing, using for 5 minutes, and then uninstalling
the Windows Defender application (at the time I installed, I did
not realize that it was also a kind of firewall; and when I
realized, I figured that it was better to remove it since it could
conflict with the firewall provided by the Norton Internet
Security 2009 program, which is currently running). I am now
wondering whether these two apps actually conflicted during those
few minutes they were both running, and whether I'm now seeing the
results of that??

You might try running [freeware] LSPFix. It sometimes fixes problems
caused by improper removal of Spyware or Firewall programs.

<http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm>

Please don't post HijackThis logs in this newsgroup.
There is a automated log reader at:
http://www.hijackthis.de
as well as several other forums for posting your logs.

HTH,
John

 

[John Wunderlich]

OK, will try this out today, and will not post HJT logs here. BTW,
could you perhaps mention the name of some reputable forums in
which I could post the Hijack This logs? I've posted here since
I've been hesitant to use other public forums without knowing
about their reputability. Thanks in advance.

From a prior post in this newsgroup by poster "Kayman":
<http://groups.google.com/group/micr...pport/msg/9f1ed08f6424de9a?hl=en&dmode=source>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.Download and execute HiJack This! (HJT)
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis

Please, do not post HJT logs to this newsgroup.
For where you can get expert advice for HiJack This! (HJT) logs.

http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/index.php?board=3.0
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?showforum=27
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showforum=7
http://www.5starsupport.com/ipboard/index.php?showforum=18
http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/index.php?s=2e9ea4e19d3289dd877ab75...

NOTE:
Registration is required in any of the above mentioned fora before posting
a HJT log and read the 'stickies' (instructions/guidelines) for the
respective HJT forum.

 

[PatriciaG]

Thanks John. That's a very helpful list.

Changing the subject back to my original question, and your suggestion to
use LSP-fix, I have to say that I've used it and it came up with a 'no
problems found' message. I wonder if you (or anybody else) has any other
suggestions as to what I could try to do. In particular, I've been asked by
my internet provider (Earthlink) to ensure that nothing is wrong with my
system configuration/hardware. So it would be very helpful to get advice on
how to get the information I need in order to answer this question.
Thanks in advance!

 

[John Wunderlich]

Thanks John. That's a very helpful list.

Changing the subject back to my original question, and your
suggestion to use LSP-fix, I have to say that I've used it and it
came up with a 'no problems found' message. I wonder if you (or
anybody else) has any other suggestions as to what I could try to
do. In particular, I've been asked by my internet provider
(Earthlink) to ensure that nothing is wrong with my system
configuration/hardware. So it would be very helpful to get advice
on how to get the information I need in order to answer this
question. Thanks in advance!

OK. I'm running out of ideas. Have you tried resetting the Winsock
Stack?

"How to determine and to recover from Winsock2 corruption in Windows
Server 2003, in Windows XP, and in Windows Vista"

<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811259/>

HTH,
John

 

[PatriciaG]

Thanks again John. I'll try this out next.
BTW, I don't think I mentioned some symptoms of the problem in detail:
1- When going through the problem with Earthlink support, and making a
connection through the connection Wizard, I was actually 'able' to connect to
the server, and apparently access the internet from within the command prompt
(in fact, I used successfully 'ipconfig' to see internet address info, and
also was able to ping several web sites).
2- The browsers (or any internet-aware program) seem to be unable to connect
anywhere (the status bar displays: connecting to <ip-address>.... but they
seem to get stuck there.
- Because of (2) above, if I try to connect to the internet using solely the
modem software (that is, entering in my browser address bar an ip address for
the modem) I can wait forever.

Thanks,
-Patricia

 

[John Wunderlich]

Thanks again John. I'll try this out next.
BTW, I don't think I mentioned some symptoms of the problem in
detail: 1- When going through the problem with Earthlink support,
and making a connection through the connection Wizard, I was
actually 'able' to connect to the server, and apparently access
the internet from within the command prompt (in fact, I used
successfully 'ipconfig' to see internet address info, and also was
able to ping several web sites). 2- The browsers (or any
internet-aware program) seem to be unable to connect anywhere (the
status bar displays: connecting to <ip-address>.... but they seem
to get stuck there. - Because of (2) above, if I try to connect to
the internet using solely the modem software (that is, entering in
my browser address bar an ip address for the modem) I can wait
forever.

Thanks,
-Patricia

It sounds like some ports are getting through and some are being
blocked. My first guess would be a firewall program is interefering.
A corrupted stack could cause that as well.

-- John