Vista - not set up to establish connection on port "World Wide

I hope this is a simple one.

I just installed Vista RC1 from DVD. Everything went smoothly, except I can
not surf the Web. All other Internet connections appear to be OK (MSN
Messenger and driver update DL's worked fine). Thinking it wasd IE7, I tried
installing Firefox...but same issue.

When I try to connect to the Internet, I am informed that the computer is
already connected. When I try to troubleshoot a failed web attempt I get this
message

"go.microsoft.com" is not set up to establish connection on port "World Wide
Web Service (HTTP) with this computer

I connect to the Internet through a residential gateway connected to a
Comcast cable modem (which does not use sign ins)...I have re-booted this
hardware and am convinced they are working fine, since I am still connected
through this XP machine I am typing on now.

Help much appreciated!

**Cross Posted in IE