Browser troubles

[Voltmeter]

For a few weeks I've been having troubles accessing many websites. IExplorer either hangs on certain sites, or shows "opening page...", or loads only the top static section of the site w/out any dynamic content. Netscape most frequently hangs with "resolving host ..." status, and occasionally with "transferring data" or "connecting to". Some sites load fine in both browsers. When the site hangs in IExplorer, it also paralyzes its Address bar - even after cancelling the operation, any attempt to type the address manually into the bar is taking approx 2 sec per letter. All other internet connectivity (e-mail, IM, etc.) is functioning alright.

I've validated my connection settings, ran network diagnostics - everything checks out OK. When I hook a laptop to the same cable modem - its browsers function fine...

Any suggestions on what I should be checking will be GREATLY appreciated!

VM

[guestolo]

Let's ensure it's not malware related

From my signature below, download and save too a permanent folder of it's own onto your harddrive
Hijackthis 1.99.1
Open Hijackthis.exe

Do a "SCAN and Save a Log file"
A log will open in Notepad
Copy and paste the WHOLE contents of the log  here... Don't try and fix anything yet----It is all important