OK, two consecutive posts have been pulled, so what am I doing wrong here?
Here's the problem (and this time I'll wait to post the HT log):

Dell Dimension 'lost' cable connection a few days ago so I suspected scumware because teh owner lets pretty much anyone surf the dark side of the net.
Tried all the usual things - uninstall/reinstall network adapter, changed pci slots, ran ad-aware, spybotS&D and CWshredder, ran AVG (which had recently been updated) but still could not connect to the internet.
Called Dell, reinstalled XP, called ISP, reset modem, but to no avail.

A check of the Internet properties still revealed a hijacked homepage.

Does anyone have any other ideas why it will not connect?

If you want to post your question and HijackThis log on my forum, you are welcome. The rules here are strict about posting HijackThis logs. Your posts will get pulled if you post one before being asked for it by an "expert". Click the link under my name if you want to post your log there.