My 7801u can't run net programs (except IE/Firefox)

For some reason every program I run that tries to connect to the internet is getting blocked by Vista. That includes WM, AIM, Yahoo, Xfire and any game like WOW or COD that tries to connect to the net. The weird part is Firefox and Internet Explorer run just fine. I've uninstalled/deleted anything that resembles Norton/Symantec and my Windows Firewall is turned off. It's not my Router cuz I have none and it's not my connection because my old desktop running Windows XP can connect with all the same games and programs.

I've tried a bunch of solutions and Microsoft Tech support has been fairly helpful although no solution yet. I'm this close to returning to Newegg.com for a replacement but I'm hoping someone else had this problem and figured out a bypass.

HELP!

 

no need to replace it, its software related.
if you cant seem to find a way to fix it, just use the gateway recovery center and do a full system recovery. that will fix it.

back up your stuff beforehand.

 

I'd try disabling the Vista firewall service before doing a full system recovery. The Vista firewall is crap anyway. Its not like you need it. Oh never mind. You already have it off. I misread and thought you were talking about just the symantec firewall.

I ran into a weird problem with Vista were I could access my router but not past it to the internet. Nothing I did made any difference. Just do a system recovery with the gateway cds like royk50 suggested.

 

uh oh... Gateway cds? My laptop shipped with Vista pre-installed. No cds included. I'd gladly do a full system recovery since the laptop is so new I've barely any files on it.

 

Vista Firewall is actually very good as far as how secure it is. It just lacks customization features that most other firewalls have. Also, when you can access your router but not the internet, that means you have a problem with your router, not your laptop. It happens a lot, and can usually be solved by unplugging your router, and then plugging it back in a minute later.

 

Well, it didn't matter what network I was on. Other computers on the same network could access the internet through whatever router was there but mine could not. I could web into the router just fine, just not past it onto the internet. Once I did a clean install of Vista, it started working fine. Strangest thing I ever saw.

 

press the vista orb type gateway recovery console...
first make sure you make drivers and app backup dvd, then use it to do a complete system restore.