Virus problems causing network issues?

I have recently upgraded my CPU and as part of that re-installed Windows 7 home premium x64. I have an updated/running copy of Norton Antivirus on as well. I posted about this problem in networking and was sent to this forum. As It began to install updates I have 2 issues that may be related:

1. Network and Sharing Center won't open - When I click on the link at the wireless icon or go through control panel, nothing at all happens when I click on "Open Network and Sharing Center". I otherwise can connect with no problem to my home wireless network and access the internet with no problems. I just can't open the center at all. Other control center options don't work either

2. Microsoft Explorer and Google Chrome both won't connect. I get an error "Proxy server not available" on Chrome and Explorer just tells me IE can't display the web page. Fortunately, I have Mozilla Firefox and I was able to go into settings and disable the checked box to connect to the Proxy server which allows me to use (see note below about IE)

What I have done:
*** I have gone into Control Panel / Network and Internet / Internet Options / Connections / LAN Settings and "automatically detect settings" is checked. "Use a Proxy server" is not checked. Everything is grayed out however and I can't change it one way or another.
*** I have gone back to an original "restore point" and the system will work somewhat better for a short time but then will start having problems again as above.
*** I have downloaded Malwarebytes and completed a system scan. It did identify 13 items which it removed. However, the system is still not working properly.
*** I powered off my wireless router for 15 sec and then restarted it.
*** I have done a search on this and have seen many conflicting directions. I am afraid I have an issue with a virus but don't know how to approach it.

Any help or guidance would be fantastic!!

Thank you,

Don