I cannot access any SSL sites using IE 6. I have XP Home SP2, PC has all Windows updates, no firewall running, no third party firewall running, no proxy servers. Internet is through cable modem with no router, the PC plugs directly into the cable modem via the network card.

Out of curiosity, I tried installing Mozilla Firefox, and when I open that, I get the following error:

Alert
The connection was refused when attempting to contact {name of site}.

I've tried sites such as cnn.com, msn.com, microsoft.com, etc...


I've verified that the system is clear of all viruses and spyware (trend, adaware, hijack this, spybot, xoft scan, etc.)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

PS -- I've also made sure that all IE settings back to default.

Matt