Okay, here is the problem for all of you computer wizards out there:

I have a cable modem hooked up with a linksys wireless router. My laptop and desktop run off the wireless modem. Everything was working splendid until a few days ago. Suddenly the desktop wouldn't connect to the internet. All I get is a white screen and the endless "hourglass". The page never loads. It's that way using either Firefox or Internet Explorer as the browser. The kids use this computer so I figured they clicked on something to cause the problem.

That is until I came home from work tonight and hopped on the laptop. It has been running great until now. When I try to open up Firefox, it states "Unable To Connect." If I use Internet Explorer, it works fine (I'm using it now). My email (Charter account) works fine. Yet, I am unable to connect to other services, such as Full-Tilt Poker, etc.

I contacted Charter and was told that their service, including coming into my house, was fine.

Do I have a router problem? Firewall?

I'm dumbfounded here.

FYI - The desktop is running Windows Vista. The laptop is running Windows XP.

Any thoughts/ideas?

Try this, You should have a wireless icon on the lower right of your screen on the task bar, right click on it and select repair and see if windows can reconnect for you.

I seemed to have fixed the problem in the laptop running XP. I use Zonealarm firewall protection and lowered the settings. Everything is up and running there.

The desktop is still fubar. I'd venture to say it's also a firewall problem but I can't seem to locate the setting on it. It's a newer computer running Vista and I don't use it much.

I'm just a bit perplexed how settings, etc. just change for no apparent reason.

I've seen where many times an automatic Windows update will change things for the worse. I've had to change my ZoneAlarm setings before, too.

It's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers for your modem, router and wireless cards. That fixes a lot of problems.

I don't use Vista, so I can't help you with changing the firewall settings, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same thing happening there as well.