Which file do you think is corrupt?  What kind of internet connection do you have (cable/dsl/dialup)?  If cable or dsl, are you connecting directly to a mdoem or through a router?  Have you tried using System Restore to restore your computer to a time when it was working properly? 

Steve

Yes I've done all those things.

I have two other computers hooked up to cable. I have tried this laptop on every hook up, so that's not the problem. The MSN window come up as an outline blue box but won't conect.:smileysad:

I assume from your answer that you are connecting to the cable modem through a router.  If this is not the case, please say so. I still don't know which file you think is corrupt.  Note the more details you can provide, the easier it will be for me to help. 

In the meantime, try downloading and running winsockfix for Windows XP from the Here and if that doesn't work try lspfix from Here.

Sorry,:smileysad:

Yes I connect through a cable modem router.

If I have to do a complet re-install, should I do it myself or take it to a geek?:

Thanks Steve,

I don't know which file is the problem.

I just cannot log onto the internet.

Can I download the fixes you talked about onto a CD?

If these fail do I have to do a complete re-installation?

You can download the winsockfix and lspfix files to a computer that has a network connection, then copy this to removalable media, like CD-R or a USB jump drive.  Then, copy the files to your problem computer and run them from there.

As for reinstalling Windows XP, see the following:

http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm

Just make sure you have drivers for all your devices backed up to CD or a jump drive.  The drivers can be downloaded from the Dell Support site.

Steve