Please help with desktop internet issues!

[Heatwrench]

I have acer aspire desktop from 05' with windows XP and it says it's connected to the internet. However, when I use either firefox or internet explorer the webpage won't pull up. I'm using the government version of McAfee. I turned off that firewall along with the windows firewall with no luck. The computer is linked directly to the modem. I have a wireless router so I'm on my laptop. I'm desperate to get the desktop up and running becuase I'm studying spanish and my laptop can't keep up with the language program I use. I have done the basics like computer reboot and turning off the modem. I would appreciate any support I could get since I work sun up to sun down. It's hard to get ahold of tech support.

UPDATE: System restore before the point of issue saved my ace..........thanks guys!

[Bangzoom]

without knowing everything going on there I woul say the easy fix would be a system restore to an earlier date before the problem.....google xp system restore...this has a good chance of fixing it BUT any changes made to the computer after the restore date will be gone

[bigbearbear]

If you are using a Cable Modem, you need to power it down and then start it again if you disconnected it from a router or laptop and recently connected it to your PC. Cable modems have this oddity that it will not use another MAC address unless it is rebooted.

[Heatwrench]

without knowing everything going on there I woul say the easy fix would be a system restore to an earlier date before the problem.....google xp system restore...this has a good chance of fixing it BUT any changes made to the computer after the restore date will be gone

I can't thank you enough for the help! I knew there could have been a lot of variables. It's working like a charm. I can work on cars and aircraft all day long, just don't ever ask me to fix a computer...

[stilly]

But WHAT caused it?

This could have been the start of an attack but without knowing WHY this happened there is a very good possibility that it could happen again. I have an idea what it might have been but I will remain silent because I have done enough coulda woulda shoulda for today...

If it happens again by all means come back and post.