Vista - Internet connection issue

Hi! I am new at this and would like some help as I have a couple of problems with my computer, a Compaq Presario SR5340AN Desktop PC Vista Home Premium 32bit.
Problem 1) About 2 weeks ago I was online and suddenly I wasnt able to connect to the internet. I called my IP provider and they told me that I could "ping" but couldn't connect to the domain name, I have run a dianostic tool which said I had no dial tone but had local area connection. I went step by step with my IP provider and we still couldnt get it to work. Help!
Problem 2) Last night I went to open a zip file using Zipeg (never had any problems til then) and now on the desktop all my programs are opening with notepad, I cannot access my files on the desktop. When I open the files, I get a notepad with all these symbols and numbers and thats it!
I hope I have provided enough information for you to understand what I mean, as its very frustrating.
I thank you in advance

Hello Purplezz, and welcome to Vista Forums.

I'm not sure about your first problem, but the ZIP download in the tutorial below should be able to restore your default ZIP associations.

Default File Type Associations - Restore

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Hi purplezz,

I use 64 ultimate but I think it is similar enough. This may help your internet connect and all, but you will want to look at the link Brink posted above about file assos.

1st: I would get a friend to download Avast virus scanner and burn it to a cd, and have it in hand. It's free. avast! - Download antivirus software for spyware and virus protection . Maybe that friend could help you do this procedure.

2nd: Do a system restore to a date that you know was before everything quit working. To do a system restore Go to, "Start Button > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore" It will recommend a restore point, make sure the date is before everything broke, if it is not then you can choose a different one right below it. You might want to get a more computer savvy friend to help you do this and you watch them do it.


If you did get a virus it's obvious that your existing virus software didn't catch it. If you do have virus software on there disable it and install that Avast and run a scan. If you didn't get a virus your system will be restored and you'll have a good AV program.

PS: if you have norton anti-virus by symantic on there get rid of it.

Kevin

Thanks for posting that link, Brink.

I want to put that info in my DB.

kevin

You're welcome Kevin.

Thanks Kem and Brink, thank you for the information! You both make alot of sense, I have been going around in circles tying to work out these problems. I have done further investigation into my computer and have found that the protocols were changed to notepad....would this be a different problem? I have downloaded Avast, have tried a System Restore but there isn any points to find after this problem started! I have done a system restore in the past on my computer with no worries but not this time. I think I might have to reformat which is not what I really want to do as I have got over 130GB of information to try and save somehow.

Purplezz,

If you mean your ZIP protocols, then the ZIP download in the link I posted above should be able to restore that for you back to default.

Purplezz,

I just re-read your last post and you said you couldn't find any restore points after this started...You want a restore point Before the problem. That might have been a typo on your part, if so read on...Brink is addressing your file association problem, whereas I am looking at your connection problem.


Check to see if your modem is enabled: start button > right-click on computer and choose properties. On the left side choose 'Device Manager', find 'modems', expand the listing, double-click on your modem, and under the "general tab' it will say if it is enabled or not, if not click the button right below to enable it. If this is how it was then you should be able to connect now. Your ISP person & you may have done this...

Just FYI: When I used a dial-up modem my isp gave me an option to install their disc or not. Well I hate a bunch of needless bloatware which in most cases cause problems, so I set-up the connection myself, and that was back in the day when windows 95 just came out, it is much easier now. Just telling you.

If you had a disc, uninstall it then re-boot and try re-installing it. If you decide to do it yourself like I was saying above that I did, uninstall first.

The problem may be a need to reinstall the modem drivers or a bad modem altogether.

kevin