cannot access microsoft download page or some secure sites

[omar]

when I try to access download.microsoft.com I get a blank
page (no error messages). The same happens when I try to
access some secure sites as well. Please, can anyone tell
me how to correct this situation?!

 

[H Leboeuf]

Any firewall or security protection software that could be in the way.

MS Troubleshooting station.
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/

Problems accessing secure sites
An additional link to help in solving your problem.
http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/answers2.htm#secure_sites