Cannot access Internet via IE or FF

Very strange one this and has had me puzzled over the weekend.

A friends machine suddenly stopped being able to access any websites either in IE or firefox. When you try it says "website found.." in the status bar but it never loads.

I have done a detailed inspection for spyware and viruses and cannot find anything

Have checked all DNS and IP settings and all is ok.

Other machines on the network can access the web fine so it is not an ISP or router issue.

The problem machine can ping DNS addresses.

I used ftp via command line and it could connect but could not download files.

Am completely lost as to what else to look for so am open to suggestions.

 

I have had the very same problem just recently and could not work out the reason. I ended up turning the PC off when I got back some time later all was ok and still is.
I would love to know what has cosed this.

 

Well so far I have tried:

1) Repair on the wireless card.
2) System Restore to a week before problem started.
3) Complete and thorough virus investigation.
4) Disabling all security and firewall software.
5) netsh ip reset

Am out of ideas now :/

 

Thanks Pete, it's not something I have tried yet so will give it a go tonight and let you know.