Only safe mode opens on reboot or startup

Can you give the URL to some sites that are timing out? You might want to check your date and time settings to make sure they are correct.

ok, will take a look see and be back, tks. that might be easier than the connections setting I was looking at.

Ok ,here goes. tried couple things to help with added info for solving hopefully.

In Fx I get a counterclockwise swirling circle that says “connecting” but never connects. Then I get:


The small case letter "i" inside a circle


The connection has timed out


The server at (examples below) is taking too long to respond.


The site could be temporarily unavailable or too busy. Try again in a few moments.
If you are unable to load any pages, check your computer's network connection.
If your computer or network is protected by a firewall or proxy, make sure that Firefox is permitted to access the Web.


“Try again” option button at lower left within a small rectangle


TRIED THESE FOUR (4) URLS TO START
(1) www.sevenforums.com
(2) Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos & News Videos
(3) Breaking News, Daily News and Videos - CNN.com
(4) www.tweaking.com


FIREFOX RESULTS: 1, 2, 3, 4 NO GO
IE RESULTS:
First IE try: 1,2, 3 FINE; 4 NO GO
Second IE try after try's on other two servers: 1,2,3,4 no go
CHROME RESULTS: 1,2,3,4 NO GO


Also tried bing.com with these results:
IE , no go
Fx, no go
Chrome, no go

One of my observations is this: When the safe mode reboot problem first started I absolutely know that I was using Fx and had my google account open for searching. I mention this because Google search is the only search engine that will work, so its gotta be?: a PC1 based server/search related prob. My thought is all. any thoughts guys? RCVJEW Looks like you work days and do computer stuff after work?

Thanks bunches for help, James

Update news: I recalled that when in the safe mode loop, I got onto the sevenforums web site (yes here where I am now) but then that same url would not open in IE, Fx or Chrome. So I did a reboot>F8 safe mode and VOILA HMMM!!! I easliy opened the four urls in Fx. Soo its some kind of windows OS glitch. Ok, thats the news for now. going back to regular mode (I haaope!) Jim

EDIT. Follow up from above safe mode post. Now on PC2. On PC1 went from safe mode (above msg) to regular mode and when there again could not connect to the 4 urls in FX. Now on PC2 regular mode the same 4 urls open just fine. Go Figure??

Your internet for both pcs are though their own Lan wire correct, the pcs are not some how chained together? Or are they wireless? It sounds like you might just be having a dns issue, who is your isp and do you have your network connections on the pcs set to automatic for IP and dns lookup?

PC1 & PC2 plug in completely separate to a main router to/from which a 3rd PC3 operates from.

So my PC1 is connected to PC3 until I want to run PC2. At that time I unplug all connections except ac power from PC1 and plug all those connections into PC2.

Nothing wireless except occasional mobile phone use.

Xfinity is the ISP.

Sorry, am a full nube on this one: "automatic for IP and dns lookup?" Please advise, tks Jim

But will say all PC's were working just fine until trying out the safe mode shortcut routines on just PC1. Now only PC 1 is acting up not PC2 or PC3. Appreciate you assistance guy! James :)

Okay for testing purpose give this a shot on one of the pcs that are timing out sites. Follow this guide and instead of using the numbers listed in the guide use 8.8.8.8 for the first box and 8.8.4.4 for the second box. (these are googles public dns servers) This will see if it is your isp having issues or just your systems. DNS Addressing - How to Change in Windows 7

Ok, sure will give it a try!

Just FYI clarity: PC3 is the original PC setup on this Xfinity router in room 1. In room 2 (next to room 1) is PC1 and PC2. There is one sole PC connection cable between the room 1 router and room 2. That single connection cable once it is in room 2 is either connected to PC1 or PC2 (NOT BOTH, caps 4 emphases:)). Solely PC1 in room 2 has the connection problem in normal mode but not in safe mode.

Would you take a look at this stated fix please. I am being cautious because its new ground for me. See:

Windows 7 x64; NO internet except when in safe mode!

Thanks bunches for your continued efforts and time! James

JamesEJ said:

Ok, sure will give it a try!

Just FYI clarity: PC3 is the original PC setup on this Xfinity router in room 1. In room 2 (next to room 1) is PC1 and PC2. There is one sole PC connection cable between the room 1 router and room 2. That single connection cable once it is in room 2 is either connected to PC1 or PC2 (NOT BOTH, caps 4 emphases:)). Solely PC1 in room 2 has the connection problem in normal mode but not in safe mode.

Would you take a look at this stated fix please. I am being cautious because its new ground for me. See:

Windows 7 x64; NO internet except when in safe mode!

Thanks bunches for your continued efforts and time! James

You can try that if you want it will make it a clean boot state but not safe mode and if it does work then it is some kinda driver or piece of software you have that is messing with your internet. Troubleshoot Application Conflicts by Performing a Clean Startup

Hi James, rvcjew,

Without changing anything else I would try uninstalling avast using avast's utility and running MSE in its place as a test to see if this problem clears up. Although avast is a good program, it just doesn't play well on some machines.

If it does clear up, but not entirely, you may want to do a Disk Cleanup and run SFC several times as stated in the blue Note Box in the Option Two section, you may even consider a Defrag if you haven't done one in awhile.
I say this because it troubles me that you are running this cmd: reboot>F*; This cmd effectively shuts down all programs including the operating system (OS) before they are properly closed, thus causing corrupted files.

reboot>F* = A reboot after >F forcing closed * any open programs including the OS. For a Windows based system you might as well use the power button to turn off and then back on for your reboot.

I do realize the F option on some server systems can mean a fast reboot, and it seems to be a much used cmd for Ubuntu Servers and linux distros for that reason, but you haven't mentioned any of those systems James, and would be better off using shutdown / r.