Connects but doesn't connect!!!!!!!

[bunty]

Thank goodness I have two computers because if not............
Well the one I am using now is going fine but the other one although it says that I am connected does nothing else!
Google .. email etc don't work at all.
It worked yesterday morning when I downloaded a windows update.. but since then .. nothing!!!
I have disinstalled the latest updates but nothing!!!!
It is sad to think how much our lives now depend on Internet connection .. but that is how things are.If anyone has any idea what I can do next ,apart from taking it to a computer shop,I would be most grateful.
It is so hot now that I want to make the least trips possible outside.
Thanks if anyone can help me because from now on Him and me will be fighting for the computer!!!!!!!!

[beagle46]

There was a recent problem with Zone Alarm when a Windows update prevented users from connecting even though the computer said all was fine. If you are using Zone Alarm, disconnect it (you can use Windows Firewall as a backup) and see what happens. If that's it, go to the Zone Alarm site and follow their instructions.

[gretch]

Have you tried a ‘system restore’?

[.Griff.]

To help we really need to know what operating system you are using, software firewall and AV.

Otherwise it's a bit like walking in the doctors and saying "I don't feel well, what's wrong" with no further explanation.

[flan_taster]

Sounds like the same problem that happened to me - see the earlier post/thread
http://www.andalucia.com/forums/viewtopic-t16447.htm

[bunty]

Thanks to all who have tried to help me.After many hours investigating the computer (I am 100% computer illiterate ) I have discovered that my operating system is Windows Vista,I have found the meaning of zone alarm but do not have that installed,I did a system restore and removed the latest windows vista service pack I. Finally I investigated the firewall and saw that there were two installed.One with the Panda and one from Windows.I couldn't managed to remove the one from Windows so I removed the one from Panda..... and bingo the computer connected!!!!!! Only hope now that I did right and I don't get a hundred and one viruses etc. Also don't know if I should do any more updates!

[pkates]

Well done Bunty - it shows what can be done with perseverance!
It sounds to me like Panda conflicted with a Windows update. I think you should be fine with Windows firewall (although i'll probably get it in the neck from the Mircosoft hating crew for saying that!). You should find that Windows updates shouldn't cause the same problem now. I'd recommend that you get Windows Vista Service Pack 1 reinstalled via updates. Also just check that you do have Anti Virus software installed and updated . . that should be it!

[pigs-might-fly]

Panda - Shudder!

If you have vista the built in FW is reasonably OK.
Try PCTools (free) firewall - it's quite user friendly. Add their (free) Threatfire and you'll be good to go.
Antivirus (free only), Avira PE (free),or Avast (free) are good too.
AVG 8, (free) is a bit of a problem on some PCs, so avoid for the present.