Following clearing out a LOT of infections (84 viruses, 11,500+ spyware!!!) I'm trying to get a machine back in action. Normally it connects to Orange (ex Wanadoo, ex Freeserve) BroadBand using its ADSL Speedtouch modem but while it's on my network I'm wanting it to use my network connection. However I try, any attempt to browse the iNet is met with it trying to connect via its dialup ADSL connection (obviously I've got connection settings to say don't bother). ipconfig /all reveals exactly what I'd expect for the LAN connection, DNS server is fine, etc. and I can ping an IP address but when I try to ping a hostname it says it doesn't know anything about that name, i.e. it's not managing to get the IP address from the DNS servers (I've also tried specifying other servers). I'm running ZoneAlarm firewall with the local subnet trusted but even turning it off gives the same problem. AVG is providing antivirus protection. I installed SP2 but no change. Also, I note that the Help and Support function is not working although the service is running. At this stage I'm suspecting that one of the infections has messed up a component of it, although I would have expected the SP2 install to have cured that. Any ideas? Ken. To err is human but to really foul things up takes a computer!

well, after such a massive infection i'd strongly recommend a new installation. as for you actual problem, try the following: In extreme cases, reinstalling the Internet Protocol stack may be the most appropriate solution. With the NetShell utility, you can now reset the TCP/IP stack back to a pristine state, to the same state as when the operating system was installed. Go to "Start/Run and type in "cmd" to open a DOS Prompt. Type in "netsh" Type "int ip reset reset.txt" Type "dump" Type "exit" Type "ipconfig /flushdns" Type "exit" and restart your PC note: if your ip configuratyion is other than automatic, write down the settings given by your isp, as you must re-enter them. but there might be more to it than just a corrupted tcp/ip stack. good luck, let me know if it worked. Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.' icq 10183575

trentham999, For the Help and Support problem go to the link below and under the letter "H" scroll down tp "Help and Support", "Start Menu/Help and Support doesn't work", "To reinstall Help and Support:" where you'll find several possible solutions. http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_... For the Internet Connection problem you may want to use another computer and download "WinSock XP Fix" onto a floppy or CD. Transfer the file to the problem computer and run it. It's Free at the link below. http://www.snapfiles.com/get/winsoc... Tufenuf

Thanks for your input; there's a lot of fascinating info comes from netsh! Sadly it didn't make any difference. What is the mechanism that tells ping to ask the dns servers for a name resolution? Why isn't it doing it? Would I gain anything by looking at the network traffic or would that just show that nothing interesting happens? I've a few more things to try before heading for a complete new install. At least I can use the LAN for saving data! Ken. To err is human but to really foul things up takes a computer!

I'd already found the 'kellys korner' stuff and have now tried it but to no avail. Still no help and support (not that it's ever been of any use in the past anyway). Also I note that other things seem unable to run; for example, the restore facility. Ken. To err is human but to really foul things up takes a computer!