XP and Internet connectivity Problem

[Anopheles]

My friend has just purchased a new PC running XP with SP2 installed. I have
been helping set it up and have a problem connecting to his ISP. The modem
connects to the internet and message is displayed saying that it is. The
icon comes up in the system tray and is says the speed connected and reports
that some bytes have already been exchanged. However neither IE6 or OE will
establish a connection with the ISP server and behave as if off line.

I have taken this problem to the ISP who have blamed the modem. (Yes, that's
a first. ) I have thoroughly checked that the setup internet connection
data is correct. I have checked the Microsoft site in case there is a fix
but cannot find one.

Coincidently, I have a similar problem with my own machine. The same thing
happens however there is a difference. I can get on to the ISP after booting
up however, after being online and closing the connection, my computer
behaves exactly like the computer above. I have to reboot to go online
again.

I'm at my wit's end. Any solution to this problem will potentially save
lives. Please help.

Anopheles

 

[JW]

regarding the IE problem, try pinging your provider's web site, e.g.
ping www.netzero.com
in a Command Prompt window

if that doesn't work, then the IP address is wrong for the DNS server.
if it works, i have no other suggestion.

regarding the OE problem, i used to have connection problems that made
operations appear to be offline, when i first set up my Email account in
OE, because my port numbers for POP and SMTP in OE were not the port
numbers required by my ISP servers. but since you said that you checked
this possibility thoroughly, i have no other suggestion.

 

[Anopheles]

regarding the IE problem, try pinging your provider's web site, e.g.
ping www.netzero.com
in a Command Prompt window

if that doesn't work, then the IP address is wrong for the DNS server.
if it works, i have no other suggestion.

regarding the OE problem, i used to have connection problems that made
operations appear to be offline, when i first set up my Email account in
OE, because my port numbers for POP and SMTP in OE were not the port
numbers required by my ISP servers. but since you said that you checked
this possibility thoroughly, i have no other suggestion.

Thanks, JW. I will try your suggestions.