32 bit programs cannot access the internet

[vandervecker]

I know this problem has been around a while, but I have yet to find a solution so I thought I would try a new thread.

A few days ago, following a series of Vista 64 Home Premium updates and Service Pack 2, I lost the ability to connect any 32 bit software to the web. 64 bit applications work fine. The problem manifests itself differently in different programs, for example:

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010: "The update source cannot be found"

Super Antispy: Programme runs but cannot connect to update server

Skype: Cannot start because it cannot connect to the internet

Rapid PHP: Cannot start at all

MediaMonkey: Cannot start - reports error code: Runtime error 217 at 008E1B8E and at 0082E3EE

SQLyog: Starts but cannot connect to server - reports Error No. 2004 Can't create TCP/IP socket (10093)

The Ultimate Troubleshooter: Starts but "there was a problem contacting the update server"

Vuze (Azureus): Cannot start at all

twhirl: Starts but cannot receive tweets

Opera: Cannot connect to any web address - tried upgrading to Opera 10, same result!

puTTY: Cannnot start - unable to initialise WinSock

Mobipocket Creator: Starts but cannot update saying "The address is not valid" - probably generic answer.

Philips VOIP: Shows yellow warning in device manager - cannot connect


Windows Vista 64 SP2: Local Area Connection > Network Diagnostics > Cannot Communicate with DNS Server (194.72.9.38)

Secunia PSI: "Please wait while network connectivity is verified" and stalls

I am running Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 with no Windows firewall.

I have tried all the obvious fixes such as resetting winsock and cleaning out the TCP/IP stack. I have also runs the system file checker which reports no errors. I confess that I am now completely foxed so any suggestions at all would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance