Comcast XFINITY → [Connectivity] Connecting to other web browsers

I am posting on behalf of my sister who recently had Comcast's HSI and Digital Voice installed. Her previous service was AOL dial-up through a dedicated phone line.

The problem is: that the only was she can access the internet is through AOL. She must log into AOL first before being able to surf. Once she is in through AOL, she has all the speed offered by Comcast HSI. However, if she tries to get into the web via IE7 or Firefox, the browsers will attempt for about 20 seconds, then come back with an "unable to connect" type error message.

We have:

1) Removed all AOL components. Result:No access whatsoever.
Had to reinstall AOL through backup CD.
2) Removed all Symantec Internet protection. Result: no
change.
3) Used Comcast's Desktop Doctor, it has come back with "IP
misconfigured" We click on the repair button, reboot the
computer, and no change. We go into Desktop Doctor
again, and the Doctor indicates the IP is still
misconfigured.
4) Contacted Comcast numerous times, they have been
responsive, but have concluded that it is the computer,
and therefore can offer no additional support.
5) Have gone through the Microsoft Internet Install Wizard
several time to no avail.

She has the latest version of Windows xp Home with SP2, and
2 GB's of ram installed.

Before we contact the Geek Squad, I was hoping someone had
a similar conflict, and had yet to post their solution.

Many thanks,
gk3458

Sorry to say, but AOL has a BAD habit of borking a machine!
Uninstall *ALL* traces of AOL, run some sort of Registry Cleaner - like RegSeeker:
»www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm

Either have it search for "AOL"(without quotes) or just let it clean everything.
BE SURE to have the Backup before deleting box checked!!!

Once all the AOL... stuff, is removed, go into Network Connections. Disable the dialup modem.
Create a new connection(on the left) and follow the prompts for Connect to the internet option(see pic).

All settings to auto/DHCP.

You can also reset the winsock.

Go to Start -> run -> type cmd and then click ok.

Type netsh winsock reset catalog and then hit enter. Restart the computer and then see if you can pull an ip.

Sounds like your connectivity is fine, it just might be your browser is somehow still tied into AOL in some manner. As stated above, I'd recommending uninstalling all AOL software. At that point check the local area connection and verify you have a valid IP address. If so, then go to start --> run --> type cmd. Run a ping test and see if you get a reply. This will narrow the problem to your browsers.

The next thing you can try is running the internet connection wizard (start --> run --> type inetwiz). Make sure you select the option to connect to you LAN and remove any proxy settings that might be configured.

Hope that helps with the problem!

Hi,

Go to internet options and look around for the proxy settings. There is a radio button in the somewhere (sorry I've forgotten the exact location!) that needs to be unchecked to allow free access to the web....

Al

Make sure the browsers are set to never dial a connection