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Question

Four out of five browsers suddenly won't load any websites?

Nov 8, 2014 3:09PM PST

So just the other day I bought a brand new HP laptop (with Windows 8.1), as my old one is about 3 years old, extremely slow and I was starting to get I/O Device Errors. The first couple of days my new laptop was working fine. Yesterday I transferred some files from my old laptop to my new one, before doing that I ran an antivirus scan with McAfee on my new laptop. I forgot to run one again after transferring the files (my old laptop had no antivirus protection). When I shut down my computer last night Windows did some updates. I don't know if this info is relevant but thought I'd include it anyway.

This morning my wireless internet was working fine on all 5 browsers I use until suddenly most websites stopped working in Chrome, all except one website I was using, until I rebooted my laptop then that website stopped working too. I tried using my other browsers - Firefox, Opera, and IceDragon all won't work, but one website I use works fine in my Waterfox browser. When I try to open Chrome or Opera, which I have several tabs open in, they just completely stop responding (this only happens if I'm connected to the internet). Skype and McAfee also won't open if I'm connected to the internet.

My wireless internet still works perfectly fine on all browsers on my old laptop. What could be causing this problem? I don't have access to the modem as I live in a flat at the back of my landlady's house, and I'd rather not talk to her about this problem unless I have absolutely no other option.

I really hope someone is able to help, as I'm really lost and have no idea how to fix this problem. I thought that the newbie section would be a good place to ask as my computer knowledge is pretty basic. Any help would be really appreciated

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Have you tried
Nov 29, 2014 1:06AM PST

using another wifi like a public wifi at a coffee shop or friends house?
If it's new bring it to the shop and have them fix it...

Digger

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Answer
Why Not Use System Restore Back To When Things Worked?
Nov 10, 2014 9:07AM PST
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Answer
Four out of five browsers suddenly won't load any websites?
Nov 14, 2014 1:23PM PST

There's a possibility that updates may be the problem, or perhaps your anti-virus or firewall programs.
Restart in Safe Mode, see if you can access the websites. If so, start enabling processes until you can't. Odds are the last process you added is the problem.
If you can't access the websites in Safe Mode then go with the Restore option and follow up with aggressive anti-virus and anti-malware scanning. Enable the updates one at a time and test thoroughly after each update, rebooting after the update of course. If everything goes well, scan your files that you prep for adding with anti-virus and anti-malware before, during and after re-adding your files.

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One thing....
Nov 15, 2014 7:49AM PST

Safe Mode will not allow one to connect to any other computer including and especially the internet. What you want to use to be able to get to the internet is Safe Mode with Networking.

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Answer
How's your email client? Working, or not?
Nov 19, 2014 7:26AM PST

Most likely explanation is you no longer have an internet connection, just a now not working connection to a router, if even that. A less likely would be something that lost your TCP/IP stack and only left you NetBIOS. Maybe time to speak to the landlord?

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Answer
Have you tried...
Nov 21, 2014 5:03AM PST