Vista Connection Issue with 1520

Hi everyone, I just got my inspiron 1520 before school started. Ever since I got it I have not been able to use any internet required programs other than microsoft's. For example aim 6.1 and firefox (latest) do not work for me and neither do other programs that require an active internet connection such as PPlive, warcraft III (LAN), even dell's support center software. I have tried to troubleshoot by opening up aim's 443 and 5190 ports but to no avail. I also disabled all my firewalls and turned all internet settings to the minimum. I even tried using a proxy. My internet connection is active and i can connect through IE and windows live. I have this problem both at my home network and at my college's network. I am not sure if this is a dell or vista problem because my friend's non-dell vista laptops work fine. can anyone help me?

here are my specs:
2.0ghz core 2 duo
2gb ram
nvidia 8600m GT
Vista Home Premium
Dell 1390 WLAN minicard

 

If it's happening at your college...can't you get the tech guys there to check it out? I mean it's really difficult to diagnose the problem over the internet.

 

Oh its not a problem with the network connection at college because my roommates dont have problems. I experience the same problem at home. Its an issue with my laptop. Its probably incorect configuration, though im not that experience to know what to check.

 

*BUMP*

no one can help me? =[

 

If you haven't done it already. Do a clean install.

 

I think your proxy settings might be the problem for you.... Check what proxy settings are given in Internet Explorer and try giving the same in your Firefox and AIM too....