Not quite so simple, I have Netgear modem/router connected to broadband, off that i have 3 machines, 1 fixed 2 laptop. 2 work fine but one laptop won't connect to internet unless i VPN thru to my company network and then it OK, even if i shut VPN link it continues to work but any new IE sessions wont work. IE setting same on all computers I have nothing set in LAN setting or Dialup settings, have tried all combinations of auto detect etc. IE v6.0.2800.1106 again same on all machines

Start by trying to ping the router. also do a " IPCONFIG /all" (command prompt window) that will give your the current settings of your network connections. You should (actually MUST) have valid entries in the following IP Address Subnet Mask Default Gateway DHCP server DNS Server (2 entries) any of those that are missing, or has all 0's (such as 0.0.0.0) then your laptop is not receiving the correct ip settings from the Netgear. Also try running the internet connection wizard. (in IE tools/internet options/connections/setup) Chose "I want to setup my connection manually or through a LAN" next is "connect through a local area network" then be sure on the next screen that ALL OPTIONS are unchecked. Default is sometimes to have the "automatic discovery of proxy server" checked. if it is, uncheck it. It's also possible that you may need to check your configuration options in the Netgear router. Good luck, but you should be able to find the problem without tooo much effort.

I can ping the router Ok. Tried doing the IE setup no difference. IPCONFIG/all results all had valid entries. Only difference between laptop that works and one that doesn't Working One Primary DNS Suffix : xxx.com Connection Specific DNS Suffix : Not Working Primary DNS Suffix : Connection Specific DNS Suffix : xxx.com rest all same, could this be problem and if so how do i reset these?

You have other software on the laptop that looks like is causing your problem. (example is I have specific software that allows me to access my work intranet through VPN)