Problem with Browsers not buffering/starting downloads

[Indecl]

Hey guys,

I wasn't sure where to put this, hopefully it's in the right spot;
I'm having an issue with one of my computers using Windows 7 when it comes to downloading certain file types and even buffering videos online. I am able to watch live streams of people playing games I play, I'm able to load Youtube videos, and I'm able to download .exe files for games I play. For some reason I can't seem to do anything else. It seems like music, movie, and .rar or .zip files all won't download. I have to right-click and "Save link as" just to get to the option of saving it, but after that the download gets stuck on "starting..."

I thought it might possibly be a specific browser problem, but Firefox, Chrome, and IE all have this problem. I tried disabling my anti-virus, turning off my Windows Firewall, and even making sure my router didn't have any funky settings but it's been to no good use. I went into the browsers and disabled all their internal security options, and that didn't help either. It's really starting to bug me, I can go to the same places and download the things with my Laptop (Vista OS). I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, has anyone else had this problem or have any ideas on what might be causing it?

 

[UsernameIssues]

....I tried disabling my anti-virus,...

Go beyond disabling it - uninstall it & install MSE instead (assuming you are not already using MSE).

Once that is out of the equation, we can start looking elsewhere - not sure where just yet.

...and you might as well try a scan with WDO... if you can.

 

[A Guy]

Boot to Safe mode with Networking, and see if the behavior exists there as well

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/69585-safe-mode.html

If the problem does not occur in safe mode, boot into a clean start and see if the problem is still gone

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ation-conflicts-performing-clean-startup.html

If so, continue to troubleshoot what is conflicting per the tutorial.

A Guy

 

[Indecl]

Ok, so I followed you guys' advice, or am in the process of it. I removed AVG completely as well as its toolbar. I installed, updated, and ran MSE. MSE didn't find anything. (Oh, and I was able to download MSE without issue before rebooting or doing anything but removing AVG.)

I rebooted into Safe Mode w/ Networking and I was able to start and complete a download. I'm not in the process of starting the service diagnostic. I'm still able to start a download AND buffer without anything but Microsoft processes running, looks like it's time to start the half-n-half.

I appreciate the help guys, it's killing me to figure out what's going on with this dang thing. I'll post what I find. Thanks again