Recently I have not been ABLE to get into the following government websites: http://origins.usa.gov/external/external.jsp?url=http://www.house.gov/writerep/, http://origins.usa.gov/external/external.jsp?url=http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index_by_state.cfm, http://origins.usa.gov/external/external.jsp?url=http://www.vermont.gov/governor/contact.html, http://origins.usa.gov/external/external.jsp?url=http://www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfm
I have sent these hyperlinks to friends and asked them to try to get in and they have had no problems. Only government websites seem to be a problem for my computer and this is only within the past week or so. I can't recall that I have downloaded anything other than XP updates. When this started I thought maybe I was having a problem with Internet Explorer and reinstalled version 7 with its updates and I still can't get into the above sites. Thanks to anyone who may have the answer.What security/protection APPS do you have on that machine ? ?Have you tried to connect right to the site?

For example....
Not...
http://origins.usa.gov/external/external.jsp?url=http://www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfm

But use this....
http://www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfmTo Patio:
I have Norton Anti Virus, Lavasoft Adware, SpyBlaster and whatever comes with Windows XP plus updates.

To: Spoiler:
Thanks for your suggestion. I tried the one that you had suggested and it worked, but when I tried breaking down the other 3 links the same way, they wouldn't work.
Thanks for your responses,Check and see if your Norton install includes a Firewall...Dear Patio,
No Firewall, just plain old Norton Anti-virus. However, this afternoon I tried to download an update for IE and the security update would not load. Cumulative security Update of IE7 for Windows XP (KB956390) Tried 4 times and it was a no go. I tried all of their suggestions that I could understand and nothing worked so I guess I will call them tomorrow. Their Error Code: 0x80242006, wasn't listed anywhere on their list of possible error codes and remedies.
many thanks,OK.
Hoping it wouldn't come to this but since you don't have a firewall blocking the site TRAVEL Here... and follow the instructions as you are probably infected.

Don't let all the info overwhelm you just take it one step at a time.
And be patient. Our Experts are a bit busy at this time but trust me...it's WORTH both the time and effort.Dear Patio,
I am sorry if I mis-understood you. I do have a Windows Firewall but not one that is associated with Norton. My computer is also up to date on every Microsoft update possible plus all the Service Packs.
Thanks.............no mis-understanding at all... windows firewall doesn't block outgoing traffic...

It's safe to follow the link i provided.