I can access the internet through Skype/Steam but not through browsers

For the past while I've been struggling to connect to the internet through a browser (IE/Chrome) but other applications like Skype and Steam are still able to connect fine and I can access the internet fine through them. Infrequently I manage to connect through a browser but it can just stop working randomly and I can't figure out why. It more frequently occurs when I've just started up my computer but today for example I left it on to do a download but I came home to discover that it had lost internet connection. I can play games online and connect through other clients but browsers persistently fail.

Has anybody else have the same problem or know a way to fix it? I've tried looking for a fix but all the methods that worked for most others fail to work for me. If anyone can find a fix I would really appreciate it.

Thanks, Olly

Try deleting history and even resetting to default settings on the browsers. Check if you have an antivirus that might be blocking your browsers from connecting. Have you installed any new programs recently that might affect the browsers?

Also, when you say you had lost internet connection, was that with the browser or some other application?

I've tried resetting the browsing history and resetting settings but it still happens. As far as I can tell my antivirus isn't blocking anything from working and the problem has always been around since I installed windows.

It was through torrent client, should have mentioned that sorry

Well if it loses connection with different applications, there is a chance it could be an external issue (service provider, router, Ethernet cable or network card). Check device manager and see if all of the devices are working properly.

Also you said that it started when you installed Windows 7 Pro, did you also get all of the necessary drivers for it?

The router that I currently have is a piece of crap but I'm not sure it's that as I can connect off of my laptop and iPod fine and my sister can connect as well. I originally thought it might be a network card problem but I've looked and I've found no one who is having similar problems (the card is a Edimax EW-7612PIn) so I don't think it is that but I plan to get an Ethernet cable and see if that resolves it.

When I first installed W7 the first thing I did was open up Windows Update and download every update available

Did you download specific drivers for the card though? There may be some specific drivers for that card you might need. Also when you disconnect from the internet, are the other devices connected to the internet as well or no? because there might be a limit to the connections to the router and yours might have the lowest priority. I know that sometimes happens in our school when there are too many people on laptops, me and my friend usually get disconnected.

I used the install disc for the drivers, their website had no more recent releases. The disconnects have happened when I've been the only one in the house

I'm not sure if this will work, but try running your browsers in admin mode or compatibility mode, try tinkering with those settings, and also check the task manager and see what processes are running when you are connected vs when you can't connect to the internet. Also try re-installing your browser(s) or maybe get a different one, if you haven't tried yet..

Did you try a different Ethernet cable yet?

Either some of your ports are blocked.

Or in your browser or wired/wireless adapter you set up a different DNS server.

I think it's most likely the DNS server problem. Skype doesn't depend on the DNS server, but the browsers to.

I thought it might be ports but I can't access the settings through my router (BTHomeHub is rubbish and I'm gonna whine to them to try and get a new one). How would you change the DNS server? One of the errors that pops up is the 'DNS look-up failed blah-de-blah'

The only services that have changed between internet connectivity are:
WinHttpAutoProxySvc - changed from running to stopped
TrustedInstaller - changed from running to stopped
Appinfo - changed from running to stopped
AeLookupSvc - changed from running to stopped
ose - changed from stopped to running

Anyone know if these ones cause a problem with connectivity? I can't find an Ethernet cable so I'll need to try that in a few days time when I get that delivered.

Thanks