The internet on my computer won't connect to anything but internet explorer?

Question

The internet on my computer will only connect to internet explorer. It won't connect to programs like iTunes(the music store), limewire, firefox, etc. I've gone through my computer several times looking for something that might be blocking it and haven't found anything. I don't think it's a firewall, I've checked that. Of course I'm not 100% sure what I'm looking for.
The message iTunes displays when i try to get on the music store is: iTunes could not connect to the iTunes store. The network connection was refused. Make sure your network settings are correct and your network connection is active, then try again.
Limewire worked until I tried to upgrade it to a newer version about a week ago.

And I have a cable connection if that makes a difference. (I've checked the box and it appears to be working)
I have Windows XP by the way.

Answer 1

Unplug your cable modem. Shut down your computer. Wait a about a minute or two and then plug the modem back in. Restart your computer.

Answer 2

unless yer using other than windows firewall, you should be able to connect, i guess i would use add/remove and remove limewire first then itunes. reboot than reinstall itunes. you might have picked up a bug from limewire, run you virus scanner and a good spyware scanner. any extra programs running you dont need stop them.

Answer 3

I would ask computer questions....if i was capable of understanding the answer.....husband agrees with the other guy that your "firewall" might be blocking some such thing.

Answer 4

You're using a firewall right? Which firewall program are you currently using?

Answer 5

If you are getting headaches from IE, then download (free) another browser. I recommend Firefox. Its free, fast, and clean. And seems to do everything right. It will ask you if you want it to be your "default browser", but you can answer "no" until you get to like it. Just park it on your desktop.