Recently I've encountered a problem where Internet Explorer can't access any Internet webpage, but can access local files. I've turned the security settings to default Medium, but with no success. I've ran both Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D, as well as a trial version of grisoft's ewido; no spyware found. I've used my slipstreamed XP SP2 CD to run sfc /scannow to ensure none of my system files are corrupt(with no change). I've used various online methods for verifying and repairing socks settings, but with no success. I've even ran a Repair Install from my Windows CD. I've uninstalled the software firewall I used, and have disabled the Windows Firewall. I can access the Internet via firefox and other applications, and can ping addresses with no packetloss. When I open Internet Explorer, the Windows flag waving in the corner is waving, as if activity is occurring. This happens with any address I put in, with a page never loading. I've also tried Resetting IE's settings in Tools - Internet Options. Any suggestions?

Have you tried another browser? What happened immediately preceeding the problem starting? Life is more painless for those who are brainless.

Nothing preceding comes to mind. As I said in my initial post, Mozilla Firefox accesses things fine. I also tried reinstalling Service Pack 2, as recommended at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;318378 in hope of reinstalling IE. I've cleared cookies and cache, and run CCleaner and other various cache/cookie/history/etc. cleaners.

I've also tried this tool: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/IEFIX.htm

To expand on my problem, I CAN put URLs into My Computer and get them to load, but not into Internet Explorer.