Internet browser will not connect to any website

[DDon]

3 days ago my intenet browser stopped connecting to any website. I was running IE7 which I uninstalled and went back to IE6, still no luck. I downloade FireFox from another computer and installed and that did not work either. I am using Charter cable internet through wireless router. I am able to send and receive email so I know I have an active internet connection.
Just before the problem occurred, I received a barage of popups. I ran AdAware with updated definitions and SpyBot Search & Destroy but with outdated definitions. With the timing of the popup barage, my guess is this problem is some sort of Spyware, malware or virus.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am pulling my hair out over this one and don't have much to spare.
System is runnin Windows XP Home.

[dl65]

DDon .........  You didnt mention it, but can we assume you have a current updated anti-virus app installed ?
Here's what I would suggest, reboot into safe mode ........ repeatedly tap the f8 key at the restart until you are offered the various methods of starting...... then select safe mode......... once safe mode loads, run your anti virus ........ when it's finished , run your spybot as well.

let us know if that turns up anything .

dl65 

[DDon]

Thanks dl65.... I will give it a try when I get home.  I am running Norton anti-virus but did let my subscription expire so not as up to date as it should be. Will let you know how things turn out.

[2k_dummy]

After doing your scans, update Spybot S&D and make use of its immunize feature (for IE). You might also need lspfix.

[dl65]

DDon ........ You might wish to give AVG free anti-virus a go .....
you can get it at ..... http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/ 
Once you have it downloaded, get the latest updates....... and then go into safe mode and run a full scan.
It might be an idea to d/l AVG Antispyware as well....... get it at ......
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5 ........ it will be fully functional for 30 days ...and then it will be functional as a scan on demand.

If you do not plan to update your Norton subscription, and you plan on removing it , it would be a good idea to download Nortons removal tool .
Get it here .... http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
Removing Norton sometimes is a bit difficult, but the removal tool works well.....
Just be sure to follow the instructions.
dl65 

[DDon]

Windows will not start in safe mode. The process will start but hangs up and I receive the message... Sorry for the inconvenience but Windows was unable to start. This may be caused by a hardware or software change that was made.... Not an exact quote but that is the gist of it. I have made multiple attempts with the same results. I did download PC Tools AntiVirus from another computer and an installed on the problem computer. 3 items were found. I don't have the log with me to show what was found. The found items were removed/quarantined. I also ran Ad Aware and Spybot S&D again (multiple times) Ad Aware found 8 critical items that were not there last time I ran it. These were removed and when I ran it again nothing more was found. I attempted to start in safe mode again after this but had the same results.