Hi There,
this was posted in the software forum but this seems like a better forum for it.

I have a really strange problem, I.E. will only function in safe mode. This started last week, it was fine for the last two years. On a regular boot it'll only give me the "could not open/test network error page". Nothing else seems wrong but I can't access the network through games or Kazaa in normal mode either. I can see the small network traffic on the task manager but its like I have a reverse firewall I've added a firewall but I tried it with it off as well to no avail. I'm getting a few hits on the anti-spyware apps but nothing major or viruses.

I looked around in the forums and didn't see anyone complaining about a similar error. I'm running XP on a 2.4 P4 with 1024mb. The problem occured when I downloaded DirectX 9c of all things. I've deleted and re-installed XP three times, installed service pack 2, had more problems and have gone back to just the critical updates. I've re-installed and repaired I.E. 6 several times, I've run 10 different anti-virus/spy removal programs (Avast, spysweeper, Panda online, microtrend, spybot, ad-aware, cws-sredder, spy-doctor, sygate firewall, A2, ect...) I've repaired my registry sfc/ scannow, I've powered off my modem, checked my nic card, released/renewed my I.P., Man I'm at my the end of my rope here...

I hate asking for help but I want to get to the bottom of this. My only thought was that some how critical files to load I.E are being blocked by one of my anti-virus/spy-removal apps or there's a nasty virus that is going un-detected that can't function within Safe mode. What exe's are required by XP to run I.E. ? Any help would be awesome, I can log Hijackthis but I didn't see anything suspicious running in there but I don't know what all the exe's represent in my running tray.

High Karl, your best bet is to wait for the HJT log to be read. I think that you need to make sure that your system is truly clean. This sort of problem seems to be connected with Ad ware. Starting a duplicate thread might confuse the issue since you may have advice which conflicts. If the HJT people can't do anything they will kick it back to us.