Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 SP 3. Error message indicates this is probably caused by firewall settings on this computer - check the firewall settings for the HTTP port (80), HTTPS port (443) and FTP port (21). I have checked and remedied (I believe) the firewall settings still no luck. Have triplechecked all other known variables such as cable modem, ethernet cabling, ISP, Ethernet adapter (uninstalled, reinstalled), TCP/IP settings, other antivirus SW (Norton - so I removed it), tried turning Windows FW off too. I have been successfully using this exact equipment and connectivity for many years already, all of a sudden just stopped working. Seems to be (maybe) related to recent automatic MS SW config and security upgrades coincidentally? Although now I can't connect and get any recent upgrades either. Reason I know the problem is not cable modem or ISP or cables is because I have another laptop connected to those components (manually swap cables etc) and that works fine. So it's something on my home PC. Anyone else experienced this recently and if so what ultimately fixed it for you besides buying a new PC?1 person needs an answerI do too

Hi nonwiz, Are you using Internet Explorer or any other third party web browsers? It seems to be a spyware/malware infection which is preventing you from accessing the Internet. If you’ve a spyware, then it would definitely change the proxy settings and hence preventing you from accessing the internet. I would suggest you to try the steps mentioned below. Step 1: Change the proxy settingsYou’ve to make sure that the proxy server has no boxes checked and everything should be blanked.a. Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Internet Explorer.b. Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.c. Click the Connections tab, and then click LAN settings.d. Make sure that the proxy server box has no checks and everything should be blank / unchecked on the page.e. Click on apply to save changes and Ok to exit.Now check if you’re able to access the internet. Step 2: Scan your computer usingMalicious Software Removal Toolhttp://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.aspx Hope this information is helpful and let me know if you need any further assistance.Mouneshwar R – Microsoft Support-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think

Thanks Mouneshwar R that's very nice of you, yes I'd already checked the proxy settings many times before while going through the dozens of variables trying to locate this fix, they were not visibly altered from what it should be and they're not 'checked' as you suggest. Going to try that malicious SW removal tool next to see if that helps or not thanks for suggestion. Although, I already use (but just removed) Norton Antivirus as well as IOLO System Mechanic jeez you'd think that would be enough right? never I guess

okay I also tried the malicious SW removal tool and did the full scan for a few hours and there are 0 files infected/found. Isn't there a way for me to remove/uninstall the XP OS especially the FW portion and then reinstall and see if that helps? Is there any suggestions less complex and onerous than that first?