Vista - unable to load webpages after an application is run

I am running Vista 32 bit home premium.

When i use a application that appears to use the internet in
the background (such as adobe elements & windows media player)
when windows explorer is re used it fails to download web pages
correctly.
sometimes it just struggles and eventually it gives up and for some
weired reason attempts and fails again to load a microsoft site.
very odd as this site isn't even in my favs.

I have rebuilt my system from vista 64 as i thought that was the cause
but 32 bit does the same.

I was connecting to the interent via a linksys router.
so i have tried using a usb modem (vista drivers installed)
but to no avail. the same fault.

the only solution is to restart.

i am running Gdata antivirus
and using windows built in firewall.
vista is setup as installed therefore no changes to user accounts
all explorer settings have been made.

please help as my net suggests have gotten me no where.....