Resolved Windows XP Suddenly Unable to Access Internet via Browsers

Browsers (both IE 8 and Firefox) suddenly stopped connecting to internet. Problem noticed after morning boot up. Was working properly the evening prior.

This is NOT a connectivity problem per se.

I am able to successfully ping known good servers (eg Google @ 74.125.224.67) from CMD via their IP address but NOT by their domain name. CANNOT reach a site from browser using either domain name or IP address. Can't even connect to the GUI of my wireless router from the computer (but I can ping it!) Have reconfigured DNS from 'obtain automatically' to 'fixed' trying both 4.2.2.1 / 4.2.2.1 and 8.8.4.4 / 8.8.8.8. No joy. All wireless devices connected to the same router connect normally (the problem computer is connected to wireless router via CAT5 LAN connection - I've tried different ones). Removed the router anyway and connected directly to cable modem. No change. Also tried the following:
-Deleted and reinstalled the network adapter
-Flushed DNS cache
-Did an IP release all/ restore all
-Ran chkdsk /f
-Power cycled every piece of equipment in the signal path.

Turning firewall off results in no change. (Windows firewall is always off, turned off Mcafee firewall)

Is not even being to be able to bring up my D Link GUI in a browser a clue? (I can get to it OK via any of the wireless devices). Does that even require DNS?
Thought this might be some sort of DNS issue but not really sure especially given the inability to get to the DLink GUI. I am out of ideas. Thoughts anyone?

Running Windows XP Pro SP3 on a Dell Dimension 8400. It is Cat5 connected to a D-Link DIR-825 connected to a cable modem. The Dell's OS is 100% up to date. The D-Link's firmware is at least within a few months of current and may well be current. Virus defs are up to date. Full scan weekly. Spybot Search and Destroy up to date and scanned weekly. Ran test for DNS changer before FBI took down the servers. Was clean.

 

Problem Resolved

The issue is a McAfee-caused problem. A bad definitions download Saturday (DAT 6807) caused the issue. There is complete info on the McAfee support portal describing how to correct - but basically it is a complete uninstall / reinstall. Make sure, after you run uninstall from the add/remove programs, that you reboot and then run the McAfee MCPR program to complete the uninstall. The uninstall corrected the browser connectivity problem - now I'm going to reinstall. Since this problem takes your PC off line - this is going to be a difficult one for folks without a second ( unaffected ) PC.

 

The reinstalled McAfee Anti Virus Plus, with DAT 6809 does not cause the problem to reappear. Except for a lost Sunday summer afternoon, the problem is solved.

 

You should also be aware that there is a major McAfee issue that has gone for many months with no sign of a consistent solution.


Visit the McAfee Communities site and check the thread "Firewall blocking internet connection "


Grab a cup of coffee first, though, there are some 40, yes, 40 pages of complaints comments and snake oil fixes.