Vista - Internet Browsers not working!!!

[Diversecity106]

Alright, I have done way to many google searches to no avail on this.....I am running windows vista. I cannot open a website on any of the browsers that I have installed. Google Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Here is the weird part. I am connected to the internet and I can connect to remote desktop and access my computer at my office, but when I open up say, Google Chrome, and type in a web address, I get error messages, and it happens with all my browsers.

It started happening recently when I installed a bunch of new updates. SO, I did a system restore back to before I installed all the updates and sure enough I was able to surf the web. Somehow the new updates are disrupting my ability to surf the internet and it is really frustrating. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks
Matt

[blonborg]

Matt, instead of installing a bunch of updates, do them one at a time. This way, you should be able to isolate the one(s) that are causing the problem.

Bill

[rkresge]

Originally Posted by Diversecity106

Alright, I have done way to many google searches to no avail on this.....I am running windows vista. I cannot open a website on any of the browsers that I have installed. Google Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Here is the weird part. I am connected to the internet and I can connect to remote desktop and access my computer at my office, but when I open up say, Google Chrome, and type in a web address, I get error messages, and it happens with all my browsers.

It started happening recently when I installed a bunch of new updates. SO, I did a system restore back to before I installed all the updates and sure enough I was able to surf the web. Somehow the new updates are disrupting my ability to surf the internet and it is really frustrating. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks
Matt

Haven't experienced this particular problem, but the symptoms suggest a couple of possibilities. One, the DNS client is not running or the DNS settings somehow got lost. Two, something in the update process added a firewall setting that blocks port 80. Since you didn't provide the exact error messages you see in your browsers, it's a little hard to diagnose symptoms.

Roger

[greg4god]

Tip: To test if it is a problem with DNS issues (either the ISP DNS server having problems, or malware messed with yout hosts file to manullay set bad ones), try browsing directly to a known IP address. Here is one you can try:

http://www.uakron.edu
http://130.101.217.69

That is the IP address for the domain. So if you are having DNS issues, you will get a message saying unable to connect/find/locate server for the domain, but CAN view going directly to the ISP.

A couple of years ago, RoadRunner's DNS servers vere going down constantly. I set my router to use my ISP's DNS server as the primary, and the university's DNS server as secondary.

-Greg

[Diversecity106]

What's the point of an update if it screws stuff up! I will try the solutions you guys suggested and get back to you . Thanks for the replies.

[blonborg]

I also had the same problem with RR and switched my DNS to OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220). Besides a reliable DNS, it offers other benefits.

Originally Posted by greg4god

A couple of years ago, RoadRunner's DNS servers vere going down constantly.

[petereit]

I'll agree with the other guys -- since none of your browsers are working, it's not a browser issue. It has to be your TCP/IP setup.

[kbob]

With respect to the updates-I seem to recall MS used to activate their firewall when some of the updates took effect-so double check that.

Also, one or more of the updates had issues with both AV and firewall 3rd party software, and in both cases it seemed to stop all regular internet browsing, cold. First guess might be a conflict with your firewall. Try downloading the latest and greatest of whatever you're using currently, and see if that helps.

[Diversecity106]

ok, apparently I don't know anything about vista. I don't even know how to go about doing the things you guys said I should try.

[rkresge]

Originally Posted by Diversecity106

ok, apparently I don't know anything about vista. I don't even know how to go about doing the things you guys said I should try.

How about posting exact symptoms, including error messages?

Roger

[Diversecity106]

Well basically, I get a good connection to the internet. I am able to get on Remote Desktop and use my computer at my office. But I cannot use any of my browsers to surf the internet outside of remote desktop.

[rkresge]

Originally Posted by Diversecity106

Well basically, I get a good connection to the internet. I am able to get on Remote Desktop and use my computer at my office. But I cannot use any of my browsers to surf the internet outside of remote desktop.

What EXACTLY happens when you attempt to surf the 'net? For example, if you put in "htttp://www.google.com", do you get any error messages? Error messages tell us amazing things! Hate to say this, but "cannot use" is pretty much a meaningless statement in the world of computer support.

Since the problem is occurring in multiple browsers, and seems to start after you apply updates, then it seems likely that the updates are either making firewall changes or you're losing your DNS settings.

You could check on the DNS settings by opening a command prompt and running "nslookup". At the ">" prompt, type in "www.google.com" and press Enter. Then post the *entire* session here (everything you see after you type "nslookup" and press Enter).

Roger