I recently did a system recovery on my DESKTOP...I have Windows XP SP2 (after re-installing all of the updates). I also USE a high speed cable modem. My files were recovered, and everything was working fine until YESTERDAY. Though I can connect to my internet homepage and can link to certain areas on that page, I cannot connect to any other websites (for instance those in my "favorites" folder). I have to control, alt, delete to get out. Any thoughts??
Another quick question...is it a good idea to enable Microsoft automatice updates, or just do it manually?
Thanks to all in advance...What do you have installed as a firewall? Make sure this firewall program isn't blocking all traffic.

It is better to configure Windows update automatically, but you can choose when to install them.Thanks Saviour...right now, I believe I am just using the Windows Firewall program. I have a Linksys wired router also. I was thinking that all these XP Security updates might have something to do with it, but I'm only guessing. Previous to doing a system recovery, I was balking at some of the XP updates because I was afraid this situation might arise....Download and install the latest high-priority updates only for your version of Windows.

Open Windows Firewall through the Control Panel and make sure the box that reads "Don't allow exceptions" is NOT checked. Make sure the firewall is on. Open the "Advanced" tab and click the "Restore DEFAULTS" button and save your settings.

Let us know your results...No luck The firewall is on, the (don't allow exceptions) is off...You said all was working fine until yesterday...what were you doing prior to the problem?It all went bad, when I tried to re-install Media Player (through the Microsoft Update site)...This is not a solution however it will determine if IE7 is the culprit...

DLoad and install FireFox and see if you can visit sites normally. If So you need to check your security settings in Internet Explorer.In addition to patio's suggestion...

When you reinstall or do system recoveries...it's not a good idea to do them over top of a currently installed operating system. This usually creates the types of headaches you are currently experiencing.

As a last resort...I may also recommend a backup of your important files, folders and PROGRAMS...and do a clean install.I would also recommend backing files up and doing a reinstall if Firefox doesn't help you. You said you have to ctrl/alt/delete to get out. Why?

Does the browser just lock up on you and you can't click on anything at all?

Do you have to close down the entire browser and start it back up?

When you are doing updates, are you downloading IE7? (IE7 is slow and it sucks)

Are you having any problems with viruses? A lot of times a system recovery will slow down a trojan, but it will come back. You may want to run AVG or HiJackThis.