IE6 won't access web

Recently installed router without problem on my windows XP system. Started having trouble opening IE. Called my ISP (Verizon DSL). They thought it was a browser problem, suggested uninstalling IE6 and reinstalling it. I didn't have trouble running netscape, I later found out, although it seemed very slow. Couldn't uninstall, so deleted what I could of IE. Redownloaded it, tried to install. It wants to know setting and numbers which I don't know. I would just call my ISP and ask them, but when I am logged onto Windows XP as another family user, I can get right onto the net using IE6 that was previously installed. There must be an easier way than staying on hold and asking my ISP for potential help.

 

pssipe--Since no one else has responded so far, I am posting primarily to give you the courage to call your ISP. You are paying for the service!! And they should want to help you. I presume they permit the use of a router. Maybe you are even paying extra for the multiple connections?
If you still want to try to do it yourself, can you post the exact message(s) you are getting about IE needing settings and numbers? Are these the settings in Control Panel|Network and/or the IP Configuration Utility?
You could then perhaps get the settings from the "other family user's" set up since I understand you share the ISP connection.
And when you post back, please clear up one issue. The title of your thread says you cannot "access" the Web, but then in your post you say you cannot "open" IE. Which is the problem? (If you can see a .jpg image when you click on it, you probably can "open" IE. Going to a web site is a different issue.
Unfortunately, I have no knowledge about WinXP, so cannot give you specific instructions.

 

When I click on the shortcut to IE6 icon on my desktop, it says it is not available off line and asks me if I want to connect. I click connect, then it starts dialing and dialing, retrying, but unable to connect. When I cancel and close the connection window, IE opens, but says that the web page is unavailable off line. Under file, the work offline box is checked. I uncheck it, and the next time it opens it is checked again. I told this to my ISP, they told me it was a MS problem, and to uninstall IE6, reinstall it, and I would solve the problem. I couldn't figure out how to uninstall it, so I tried deleting it and reinstalling. When I try to reinstall, it says it is unable to download information about installation sites and is unable to use current proxy settings. It asks me if I want to do an advanced installation (if I know my current settings). It asks for proxy settings, address and port.
The frustrating thing is that IE works without a problem on all the other user's profiles. I am tempted just to create a new profile for myself, drag over IE from someone else's files, then drag all my other programs over, and delete the old profile. Perhaps there is an easier way?

 

Thanks for the response Jim. I do appreciate your help. I tried creating a new user profile and dragging my folders with me. So far I think that is going to work without much trouble, although I haven't tried all my applications yet to ensure it all goes well.

 

This happened to a friend of mine, and I solved it by doing the following:

1) Go to Tools-->Internet Options-->Connections.

2) Click "LAN Settings ".

3) Uncheck any and all boxes (since you're on a home-based connection and likely not running a proxy server, as my friend wasn't, you shouldn't have any of the boxes checked. He did.)

Sometimes it's something that bizarre and simple.