Windows 7 - network issues-64bit apps work, 32bit can't access net

OK, so as I was typing my original entry I was confounded that I was able to use Chrome and not IE or Firefox.

As it turns out, upgrading from Vista 64 to Ultimate 7, I was running the x86 version of IE and it wouldn't access the internet.

I manually navigated to c:\program files\internet explorer and WAS able to launch IE8.

I'm still not able to run firefox - it launches, but I'm not able to access any websites.

AGAIN, since I'm running Ultimate 7
IE8 (64bit) and Chrome are able to work. yea
IE8 (x86) and Firefox do not


That leads to my question, other programs are not able to access the internet - I assume because they are 32 bit versions.

For instance, I'm trying to a launch World of Warcraft and it returns an error when trying to sign in
"Can't create socket"

So i'm trying to figure out what my options and next steps are?
Is there a 32bit compatibility mode? not even sure that is a valid question

How do I get my 32bit apps to access the network/internet when running Ultimate 7.

I do hope that people with "can't connect to internet in ie8" issues - realize they may be running a 32bit version when they need the 64bit.

Thanks in advance!

In I.E. 32 bit, go to tools | internet options | connections tab.

Hit lan settings box and take away all checked boxes and hit ok. Restart I.E. and check.

You can do similar for FF (remove proxy server) if the above worked for I.E.