Can only connect to the internet in Safe Mode

Hello,

I'm running a Dell Inspiron 1525 with Windows 7 32 bit and a few weeks ago this laptop ceased to connect to the internet outside of safe mode with networking. I have searched through numerous forums and found many people with similar problems but none of the solutions seemed to work for me. I'll list what I can remember trying to try and help with a solution.

-I have reset IE
-I have tried a clean boot
-I've scanned for malware and viruses in normal and safe mode, all clean

I also have a second laptop running windows 7 64 bit that connects just fine. The Dell that does not work detects the internet in normal mode but gives an error message saying "the device or resource won't accept the connection"

I really appreciate any help that anyone can give.

Malwarebytes is what I have been using. And this computer has never had anything like a hamachi server.

My antivirus and firewall are also both shut off.

I cannot connect either way.

What antivirus? yes, I know you said it was off... but AV never really turns off

Symantec, I would uninstall it but the uninstaller never seems to work

Lets check 2 things:

1st: Your proxy settings in IE.
- IE/Tools/Options/Connections/LAN Settings Make sure the proxy server is blank and UNCHECKED.

2nd: We'll check your host file.
- C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
(standard installation path)

The proxy server box was not checked and I found the "hosts" file but what am I doing with it?