Ok, heres an odd one for you. I cant use internet search engines on any web browser.

I can't find my temporary internet files folder (I can see hidden folders, so it's not that)
My Anti virus keeps catching one originating from there repeatedly.
Occasionally my firewall stops strange incoming connections.

I've used CCleaner, Spybot S&D, and my virus scan program. They've caught some things, and yet I still have the problem.

I would Google, but again, for some reason I'm being prevented from using search engines. My only other solution for now is an uninstall and reinstall of all my browsers. Not something I want to do.

I've been at this for about 5 hours now, so help would be appreciated.

What happens when you ping http://www.google.com? the ip address returned should start with 66.102....

Search your HDD for 2 files, called 'hosts' and 'lmhosts' and check them for false entries. these files (hosts specifically) are used by windows for DNS resolution, in precedence to a DNS server. Typically they have no entries at all, but I've seen some viruses add bogus references in there, particularly to prevent you resolving to sites such as windowsupdate and the antivirus update sites.

The ping is the first thing to try though, I'd be interested to see what you get back.

Also try tracert.

If you're not familiar with these commands, open the windows command prompt (start > run > type 'cmd')

then type 'ping http://www.google.com' and 'tracert http://www.google.com' to trace the route from your PC to the Google servers.

Cheers, 3F

Could also be this trojan, check the second URL listed under External Links, tells you everything you need to know.

That was what Spybot S&D caught. All it was able to rid was some registry entries, so I had a feeling it was causing a problem.

Another thing I forgot to metion was the sudden connects to dodgy anti virus websites, and in one case a porn site.

Thanks for that. I'll see if getting rid of it solves things

Good luck with the removal.

I'd like to use the occasion to recommend Avira Antivirus, been using it for over 3 years now and never had any malware-problems it couldn't block/solve.
I know people tend to distrust antivirus-software they don't know but if you're unhappy with yours, give it a try.

It was a bastard to do, but finally, everything is back to relative normality.

Thank you Fluffy

Oh and thank you too, 3F. All help is appreciated.
Most people don't even bother to reply.

Well done Fluffy and 3f

Nerd-Team to the rescue! xD

Seriously though, glad it helped.