Yet Another partial network connection issue

[XianeTech]

The problem is thus:

Normal startup: The cable modem reads as connected. Some programs (games
that connect to external servers and messengers) will connect as normal.
IE/outlook fail to find anything. Generally the network diagnostic report
complains that the network is trying to use various other nic cards/ports in
the system....even though all other nics/connections have been
disabled/unplugged.

Safe mode with network: Everything works like it should no problems other
than I'm now in safe mode.

Now the question is: Is there a way of finding out exactly which
services/programs safe mode with networking has enabled/disabled? Or to more
directly solve the issue what is the most likely trouble maker?

Other info:
- no router, connection is direct from external cable modem to computer via
a USB cord
- have tried unplugging and reconnecting the modem
- have tried a tested, working modem
- have tried disabling all 3rd party services in msconfig (allowing all
microsoft services)
- have tried disabling half the services then the other half, neither
selection granted website connectivity
- friend has contacted her ISP and the service is working fine on their end
(no outage/disruptions on their network)
- have tried accessing the websites on a working net available computer, the
sites are indeed running fine

Any help would be most appreciated.

 

[Barb Bowman]

you would be much better off with an Ethernet connection. unplug the
USB, make sure the Ethernet port is not disable, plug in via
Ethernet and power cycle the cable modem and reboot your computer.

for safety and security, it would be even better to get a router to
place between your computer and the cable modem.

- no router, connection is direct from external cable modem to computer via
a USB cord

--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

 

[XianeTech]

Thank you for the reply however these suggestions assume a working
environment. There is not. I need suggestions on what to try next to get this
system in its current configuration, to load web pages before I touch
improving performance and security.

As mentioned, in safe mode this configuration works fine. It's in normal
boot up that the problems happen.

 

[Malke]

Thank you for the reply however these suggestions assume a working
environment. There is not. I need suggestions on what to try next to get
this system in its current configuration, to load web pages before I touch
improving performance and security.

Then you know something is running in Regular Mode that is causing the
issue. The first thing for your friend to do is run some virus/malware
scanning tools because infection is the prime reason for Internet
connectivity problems on Windows.

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

If the machine is clean, then do clean-boot troubleshooting.

Clean boot in Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
Clean-boot advanced troubleshooting in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316434
How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560

Malke