trouble running downloaded programs requiring internet access

Question

I just bought a new Inspiron 700m and I have no problems accessing the internet on my wireless ADSL connection, however when I try to execute or log on downloaded programs such as MSN, Skype, and an antispyware program Spybot, it fails to get connection to the internet. The strength on the wireless network connection is stated as 'excellent', however, the log-in screens show the programs are connecting, but nothing happens. Even if I try to shut them on the task manager (using Ctrl+alt+del) and I click 'end task' on the 'program is not responding' window that opens, the program fails to close. Therefore, I am forced to manually shut down the computer by holding down the 'on' button everytime. I am not too sure where exactly the problem is. Is it a network connection problem, or hardware? I don't know what I can do about this.

NemesisDB · Answer

try temporarily turning off any 3rd party firewall programs you have (like norton or zone alarm)

jfli · Answer

Yes that works! Thank you very much, it really made my day :) I disabled Norton, which was the free 90 day subscription that came with my Dell notebook. Does this mean that I have to disable this everytime I try to use these programs?

Many thanks

bacillus · Answer

You will have to configure your Norton to allow certain ports to remain open in order to use those sites.

NemesisDB · Answer

personally I would remove norton completely and just use windows firewall, but that's just me

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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