Cannot reach some web sites

I find I am unable to download Real Audio player. I don't actually want to download the program, but want to know why I can't get there. I use FireFox as my primary browser. I can get to real.com ok, and to the free download page. When I click on the free download button, I get the download screen for about one second, then the FireFox message saying it cannot connect to the page. I also find that FireFox cannot connect to links shaded in blue after doing a Google search.

Using IE, I cannot connect with realplayer.com, but can get to real.com. When I attempt to download the free player, IE says it cannot find the server. I am using ZoneAlarm (free), McAfee AV, SpywareBlaster, SpywareGuard, and am behind a Linksys router. I have turned off ZA and SpywareBlaster but nothing changes. I tried to loosen the settings in FireFox and IE but still no luck. I've turned off all popup blockers to no avail. I do have both browsers set pretty tight, and with the above mentioned exceptions, I have no browsing issues. I'm sure that there is a global setting somewhere that I'm missing, but I sure don't know what it is. I would appreciate any and all suggestions.

Thanks,
Ralph

 

fieldtech--What version of Windows are you using?

Is this something new?

Try cleaning out Temporary Internet Files.
Do you run a HOSTS file?

Are the files you have problems downloading all .exe files?

Same problem with IE?

 

I'm running XP PRO SP2 with no HOSTS file. IE also does not allow me to open a blue shaded link after a Google search.

The only file I've tried and failed to download is Real Player. I've downloaded other .exe files with no problem. I will clean my temp folder and retry. Results to be posted later.

Thanks,
Ralph

 

I just cleared the cache in both FireFox and IE with no change: I still cannot open realplayer.com in IE, nor can I get to the page which has the download button for Real Player