Unable to open HTTP sites, but can open HTTPS and FTP sites

**LadyJennivieve** · 13-01-2010

So, here's my problem. I can ping any working website with no problems. Windows Live Messenger is working fine. I can't send/receive Hotmail emails in Windows Live and I can't view HTTP sites in IE, athough I can see HTTPS and FTP sites. I ran Network Diagnostics for Windows XP, and here's the relevant bits:

HTTP: Error 12031 connecting to www.microsoft.com: The connection with the server was reset
HTTP: Error 12031 connecting to www.hotmail.com: The connection with the server was reset
HTTPS: Successfully connected to www.microsoft.com
FTP (Passive): Successfully connected to ftp.microsoft.com
Could not make an HTTP connection

It goes on to say that the Winsock is fine.

To date, I have tried System Restore - no change
Firewall is enable for ports 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS) and 21 (FTP) for outgoing connections
I have tried switching to the Windows XP Firewall - no change

Any ideas?

**Rudra.J** · 13-01-2010

This may be due to your ISP has problems or your computer is infected by virus. The ISP side problem can be solved only by your ISP. The virus related problems can be solved with a little expertise and understanding. There is a file known as "hosts" file. This file has no extension. This is the file which is responsible for redirecting you to the appropriate IP by the domains you type. Some misconfiguration and your internet connection may be cut off. Have a look at this file. The file is located at : "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts" Your default host file should look like this :

Code:

# Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
#      102.54.94.97     rhino.acme.com          # source server
#       38.25.63.10     x.acme.com              # x client host

127.0.0.1       localhost

I will also suggest you to buy a genuine Antivirus software as free version helps untill a certain limits only. As its is said : "There's nothing such as free lunch..."

All the best!

**LadyJennivieve** · 13-01-2010

I am using my husband's laptop on the same network with no Internet issues whatsoever. Therefore, it's not an ISP problem.

I have already scanned my computer for viruses. All clear.

I have looked at that file. It is identical to what you have shown me, but you have not told me if it should or not.

I already happen to own genuine Antivirus software, which contains a genuine firewall. I update the version every year and it updates the virus definition file daily (except for now when it can't access the Internet). In my opinion, only idiots turn off their antivirus because it slowed down their Internet, and I don't know anyone who would consider putting a computer on the Internet without an Antivirus program, as they all come with Antivirus installed these days.

Originally Posted by Rudra.J

This may be due to your ISP has problems or your computer is infected by virus. The ISP side problem can be solved only by your ISP. The virus related problems can be solved with a little expertise and understanding. There is a file known as "hosts" file. This file has no extension. This is the file which is responsible for redirecting you to the appropriate IP by the domains you type. Some misconfiguration and your internet connection may be cut off. Have a look at this file. The file is located at : "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts" Your default host file should look like this :

Code:

# Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
#      102.54.94.97     rhino.acme.com          # source server
#       38.25.63.10     x.acme.com              # x client host

127.0.0.1       localhost

I will also suggest you to buy a genuine Antivirus software as free version helps untill a certain limits only. As its is said : "There's nothing such as free lunch..."

All the best!

On another note, I have reset my Winsock entries and TCP/IP stack as well - no luck.

I have also reset my IE factory settings.

**Rudra.J** · 13-01-2010

Then may be you would like to repair install your windows. There may be soem conflicts or some problems. Well Repair the Windows OS first, then the internet should work, If it does, you must first update the antivirus and scan your computer. If it finds and cleans the virus you are good to go, if it doesn't find one, there's nothing to worry. This is worth a try, as repairing won't make you loose data on your computer. Do post back when you're done...