Weird problem with internet

[seang]

Around April my dad's internet stopped working meaning that only his computer was unable to access webpages and most other things. However, he could still use iTunes and buy music. I want to know how this is possible? We tried fixing the problem, but there doesn't seem to be a problem. The computer finds the network and the icon on the bottom says that he is connected to the network. The only way to get internet working is to do a restore back to an earlier date (like Feb.) and then it works. Even then it only works for about a day and then stops again. I was wondering if anyone could help with this problem. I tried searching and couldn't find anything that helped. I'm not sure if he is infected with anything and since he hasn't made backup disks, I believe we would have to buy the CDs in order to reformat.
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[SLAY3R]

Have you scanned for spyware?

Have you upgraded any hardware latley? Routers, modems?

[Fox McCloud 1990]

What about using different browsers?
Also which one is he currently using?

[Moondog]

Along with what Fox said, your browser might be borked in some way. If you're running Internet Explorer, you might want to download Firefox or something similar on another machine, and transfer it your pc via a usb thumb drive.

[seang]

Have you scanned for spyware?

Have you upgraded any hardware latley? Routers, modems?

I updated the router after it happened because I thought that may have been the problem, but it didn't fix it. I believe we have scanned, but I will try again. What programs do you recommend for that? I usually use Spybot and Adaware.

What about using different browsers?
Also which one is he currently using?

Currently he has IE 8 which is weird because when he restarted yesterday he was able to update but not use the browser.

Along with what Fox said, your browser might be borked in some way. If you're running Internet Explorer, you might want to download Firefox or something similar on another machine, and transfer it your pc via a usb thumb drive.

I will try this tonight.


Thanks for the replies.
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[seang]

I was able to install Firefox and that didn't fix the problem. I just ordered Windows XP for his computer so I will reformat and see if that fixes it.
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[Wyndle]

What OS was he running before if you are just now ordering XP?

[Moondog]

Another way to check is to download a LiveCD linux distro such as Ubuntu or Puppy, and boot from the CD. You'll have a running OS independent of what's on your hard drive, so you'll know if it's Windows or something else.

[seang]

Just an update, I think reformatting and installing Windows XP fixed the problem. So far, he has been able to get on the internet without any problem and use iTunes as well.
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