Couldn't browse internet after connecting to ISP

[Balaji Loganathan]

Hi,
I have a Win XP laptop. Still yesterday i was able to browse internet after connecting to my broadband ISP. Today i couldn't browse internet after connecting to ISP. I even get the new ip address assigned everytime i connect to the ISP.

I called my ISP, he says i need to reformat my windows as its got corrupted with virus.

I can browse internet from my other computer.

Can someone please help me remove this virus or bug ?

Thank you.
Regards
Balaji

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Balaji,
Reformatting seems like overkill. A few thoughts:

1) Have you run virus scan yet? if so, you may want to try running a different company's virus scan. There are some online. (Yes I know you can't connect, see step 3)
2) Are you able to do other things besides http? Things to try are pinging from the command line or FTP. If this works, it is a browser setting issue? For that matter, are you able to connect from a different browser if you have two installed?
3) Can you connect via dialup? If you don't have a dialup account, you can borrow one from someone who does in your area. Most dialup companies have the policy that you can use it on multiple computers so long as you don't go over X hours a month and both computers don't use it at the same time. I've borrowed my mother's for a few minutes to do some tests in the past.
4) If you know a neighbor with the same ISP, can they connect?
5) Has anything changed on your PC lately? My broadband ISP made me call to update the MAC address when I got a new network card.

[Balaji Loganathan]

Hi Jeanne,
Thanks for the reply.
1. I tried Free AVG antivirus. It didnt say any. I will try now with other antivirus stuff.
2. None other is working, already tried ping,ftp, Firfox, IE, thunder bird etc.,
3. I have to try the dialup. I will try it. Good tip. I plan to take it to my office and see whether its works with office network.
4. No new changes in ISP.

Thanks again for the cool tip, I will try to complete your suggestions by tomorrow and get let you know as well.

Regards
Balaji