Vista Protocol and Program Networking Issues

I've had this computer for about 4 months now. I have been using putty to
connect to various linux servers and networking equipment via ssh and telnet
for work.

Recently, I haven't been able to connect to anything for about 2 weeks. I've
checked server logs to try to troubleshoot my issue, and they suggest the
connections aren't even getting to the servers I'm trying to connect.
I've now tried several different programs all with the similar results. It
seems to be targeted to certain protocols and newer networked programs. Here
are some errors.

Putty's error is:
"network error: permission denied"

Windows built-in Telnet client displays the following error:
"Could not open connection to the host, on port 23: Connect failed"

ssh with openssh from windows display's the following error:
"operation not permitted"

Poderosa's error:
"failed to connect to the port 22 on SERVER"

Firefox 3.0.1 (I have to keep 3.0.0 running and not update) and Songbird:
"failed to connect" type messages

Chrome:
Won't install since the install package tries to connect back to google
for some reason. Gives me a "not connected or firewalled connection" message.

I have also done captures on all interfaces using Wireshark. The connections
are not getting to the interface, as if it were blocked via a firewall at the
local OS level. I have no firewalls installed, and have tried with windows
firewall both turned off, and turned on (with added exceptions).

I've also tried uninstalling and reinstalling programs, google searches,
disabling UAC, and random registry tooling, though I'm sure my ability in the
registry isn't up to par for the task. I have no firewalls up, nor virus
protection software that would cause anything like this.

I can ping these resources so physical connectivity is not an issue. I
also have worked in and outside the network, with the same result. The
network
firewall is managed by me and has nothing in that would result in this
(although
I shouldn't have to say this since the connections are getting blocked by the
local OS).

I've tried windows safe-mode and clean booting with the same results, so it
can't be caused by currently running 3rd party software.

It's not user or profile specific. I've tried to create and test several
different users with different security levels with the same results.

It's not driver based. I've uninstalled and reinstalled drivers for all
interfaces using both the windows auto-install (pointed to the correct
drivers)
and using the manufacturer's install packages.

I have a feeling it was caused by one of a few open source modification
packages
for putty I've recently tried out. Support for them are non-existent and I'm
sure I can handle the problem via the registry, at the very least.

I've resulted to using a terminal server for any administration tasks that
need ssh or telnet. I would really like not to have to wipe and reinstall if
not absolutely necessarily. This is my last resort before doing so.

I'm going to work on getting additional wireshark captures on other problem
programs to see if I can get any more information. I'll also look into doing
additional info gathering like hijackthis logs.

Any help is much appreciated.