SFC is System File Checker. You can run it from the command line or under the tools tabs in system information. If this doesn't find the problem try running the Internet Explorer Repair Tool.You winsock may have been damaged by your VIRUS removal. This is kind of common.

I am assuming you are using Windows XP, if not this fix will not help you.

First create a new system restore point by going into START->all programs->accesories->system tools and click system restore.

Follow the instructions to create a new restore point so we can undo the changes if this doesn't work.

Then download and run Winsock Xp Fix from this link: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html

It should offer to do a registry backup, do so.

After using the tool, reboot and reconnect to the net and try to surf again.He's running ME Serrik.Thanks, guess I missed that in the length of the thread.

But it could still be a damaged winsock or TCP/IP stack which is common after virus removals, especially ones that try to hijack your computer as they usually stick extra crap into your TCP/IP which gets YANKED out or left disfunctional with removal.Thank you everone who has tried to assist me over recent weeks. Yesterday the computer connected to the web after I went through everything that had been suggested for a second time. I cannot be certain what caused the success but, of COURSE, I am delighted with the outcome regardless of the exact cure.

Best wishes to all you kind people for 2007.

Peter Edward. Thanks for posting back with your success. This had gone on for a while (ALMOST 2 months!)