I'm over a network using cable internet. Looks like it's from ethernet cables to a router than to the host computer. The host computer always have to be logged on to be able to surf the net. The host computer was recently upgraded from win2k to winxp pro. Mine is still a win2k. This is when the problem started occuring. I'm not sure what happened but programs that connect to networks (p2p networks) or finding servers (multi-player online games) can't. I can surf the web with internet explorer fine. Everytime when I use the programs as it tries to connect or find servers it delays than won't work. After quitting the program I'll try to surf the internet but it won't work as well. After about 15 mintues the internet works than I can surf the web normally again. The same thing happens again as I try the programs when the internet connection comes back on. Any suggestions?

Sounds like the router or host system has a firewall active blocking such access. WinXP comes with a built in firewall that can be enabled. They could also have rules in place to block P2P file sharing and using different ports. Have you contacted your network administrator about it?

Yeah that was exactly the problem. I had someone look at it and the firewall from the xp machine was it. Thanks.