internet connection issues?

Ok... I'm not exactly sure if this falls under networking or malware but here is the issue.
What I can do... is Surf the net On my XP machine using IE7 and download any file I want if it is a direct download but...
What I cannot do is use Firefox (Unable to establish a network connection) nor am I able to download anything that uses some sort of download handler such as music via Music Match, Itunes, Music downloads via Amazon, also cannot download files from Adobe. I also just tried to use Yahoo Messenger but got a similar error (Messenger encountered a connection problem (81003004))

I have been battling this issue for a few months now, tried 3 different antivirus programs (spysweeper, Avast and Panda which I went ahead and bought) Also ran Malwarebytes and hopefully cleaned up any traces that I might have of harmful software.

Thanx in advance guys for your help
Steve

 

It might be worth checking to see if IE is using a proxy. It may be that you internet provider uses a proxy and that IE is already set up to use it.

Open "Internet Options" in control panel. Select the connections tab. Select LAN Settings. You should then be able to see the proxy settings. If there are some there, try using the same settings in Firefox.

 

Thanx for the quick reply... I just checked and the only setting there is "[X] Automatically detect settings" There are no proxy settings that I can see.

 

Possible Firewall blocking connection for Firefox ??

 

I went as far as removing all antivirus and or firewall software and disabling windows firewall to no avail. Unless there is something running that I don't know about I think I have it all turned off.

 

Some firewalls can be problematic ... this can continue while disabled and/or uninstalled. What firewall was in use when FF would no longer connect?? What is the history of all/any firewalls installed/uninstalled on this computer??

 

Had Norton Internet Security setup when the problem started but I never had an issue with it in the last 4 years. Subscription ran out on it in February shortly after this problem started so i removed it and upgraded my Spysweeper to the Antivirus version. Late march ran AVG and Malwarebytes on my comp and between the two they found 6 or 8 instances of malware so I recently ditched Spysweeper since it doesn't seem very effective and Bought Panda and here I am. I recently removed Panda and turned off Windows Firewall while troubleshooting this. I just noticed I cannot Sync My Treo now. I havent tried it for months but that is another problem added to the mix.

I am currently using my comp at a Best Western in Wyoming, Had the same problem back home in Oklahoma, as well at at the Motel 6 in Pueblo, Co which is where I was staying when the problem started.
I'm about to the point of reinstalling my operating system but am hoping I don't have to.