Me system - "cannot connect,", IE & restore blank window

[RayM]

Is this likely a malware/virus problem or has
some system program become corrupted?

I've tried to fix this for over a month, but I'm stuck
and there has been no response to an earlier
request for help.

Mostly the computer seems normal.

Problems appeared suddenly after restart:

Inability to connect to internet with
  Firefox 2.0.0.20. "cannot connect" message
  IE 6.0 blank window, mostly no response

Other symptoms of problems include:
  System Restore (blank screen)
  Restore from Protected start no change
  Adaptic Create CD - frozen window
  ipconfig - Black window flashes and closes
  ping - "Transmit failed" Error code 10091
  Computer not identified on home network

Direct CD appears to work so I can backup files to CD.

No problems identified with Spybot or Avast
Scan Disk found file fragments.
 
Dell Dimension 4100 Pentium III with 512 MB RAM
Windows Me 4.9.3
3Com Etherlink 10/100 (3C905C-TX) V.120
(Device Manager says "working properly"
  reloaded original driver - no change))


Thanks for any help
RayM

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

In Device Manager, are there any Yellow Question or Exclamation marks?

What Windows OS?

When did it start?

What happens when you open Command Prompt, then type ipconfig and press Enter?

[ELVIROS]

does this problem occur during or after restore and have you had any driver popup notification (different monitor)?

[RayM]

Thank you for your replies.  I bit the bullet and reinstalled Windows from the distribution diskette and everything works.  It must have been a corrupted system file.

[ELVIROS]

Thank you for your replies.  I bit the bullet and reinstalled Windows from the distribution diskette and everything works.  It must have been a corrupted system file.

well done son

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

All right. As long as it works now.