problem with accessing e-mail

Question

I have a problem with accessing web-based mails , e.g. yahoo mail, hotmail, gmail, and even MSN messenger, for a long time. I don't remember when it happenned the first time. But, I can still browsing. I have reinstalled-installed norton internet security 2007, updated windows, run anti spyware and adware (spybot-SD, adaware 2007, windows defender). If I access those web-based mail, I get a message:   Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage. Most likely causes: * You are not connected to the internet * The website is encountering problems * There might be a typing error in the address   I don't think my problem due to three causes above.   If I click ' Diagnose connection problems', I get a message:   Windows cannot connect to the internet using HTTP, HTTPS, or FTP. This is probably caused by firewall setting on this computer.   Then, I go to Windows firewall>advanced settings, and check/select all services, e.g. FTP, HTTPS, HTTP, and restart my computer. Unfortunately, I still can't access web-based mails, i.e. yahoo mail, gmail, hotmail.   Anybody can help me? My computer is Inspiron 9100, windows xp prof.

philipkoo2 · Answer

It sounds like a firewall blocking a port from being used. Try disabling ALL of your firewalls temparary to try if it would work, but if you have dial-up, or no hardware firewall, be very careful....acually if you have neither, I wouldn't recomend doing this. Or reset Internet Explorer, or your preferred internet browser

Side note: If you can still browse the web, then a certain secure port sounds like its blocked

Message Edited by philipkoo2 on 06-28-2007 10:42 PM

ranugroho · Answer

thanks philipkoo2. I've tried to turn off firewalls from windows and norton internet security 2007, but did not help. The problem still present whether I use Internet explorer 7.0 or Mozilla firefox. As I mentioned before, I have also unblocked those secure ports. So, any idea?

philipkoo2 · Answer

Do you have another computer? If you do, try using email with that one. I would at least TRY to get another computer to test using your email, because only in extremely rare cases, people with gateways, and routers mistakenly block certain ports (Ie. Secure ports needed for secure browsing, like email). If so, try resetting your router completely (WARNING: If you DO NOT know how to set it back up, DO NOT RESET IT!!! Many people I know had downed internet for days and even weeks at a time after resetting their router, and when they acually get online, they forget about enabling their hardware firewall, and they get hacked)...Anyways, try to get another computer of some sort (Try friends or Goodwill, that's where I bought a web server) to at least verify the problem is isolated to your computer. This isn't necessary, but it can help figure out the problem a lot

ranugroho · Answer

thanks Philipkoo2. I have another computer, a PC and I've tried to access those web-based mails using this PC, and I have no problem. So, the problem I mentioend is in my Inspiron 9100, and not with the internet connection, router.

philipkoo2 · Answer

Ok well now that we isloated the problem to the Inspiron, The problem has to be either software (Firewall or rogue software) or hardware (Damaged network controller that happends to allow some internet traffic. Very rare, but not unheard of). Unfortunatly at this point, there isnt much that you can do without spending a lot of time. To determind if it was a software problem, the most effective way to figure that out is reinstall Windows completely, but that is very time-consuming, or first find out of it is hardware by using another type or model of a network controller (PC Card wireless or ethernet).   Unfortunatly I am going to prepare for the 4th of July and my son's crazy tradition with his friends with making (safe) homemade fireworks, so I will get back to you as soon you figure out if it is hardware or software that is causing the problem

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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