My computer can't use browsers and has very limited connectivity

So I have a computer problem and thought others might have more info on it. Yes, I tried turning it off and on again.

Last Wednesday, I installed a new monitor. This isn't likely a cause but I'm mentioning it because my problems started on the same day. I tried using the computer with my old monitor and I still had the same problems.

My computer would freeze and I'd have to restart it. When I restarted it, it would work fine for a few minutes and then freeze up.

I noticed that Windows 7 updates hadn't installed on their own, when they usually do install on their own. I installed them and then my computer stopped freezing up.

But it still have a problem: I can browse internet just fine for 1-2 minutes and then I can't access it anymore. Internet explorer tells me: "Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage" and Google Chrome tells me "No data received".

But I am still connected to Internet. I can log on to Steam, see who is in my friends list and send messages to them although I cannot see the main store page. I can download Windows 7 updates. But I can't use browsers.

My Network and Sharing Center says I'm already connected to Internet. I use a cable (no router) to connect to a broadband. My Internet connection works just fine on another, much less powerful, computer.

My Avast antivirus software tells me there are no viruses. Windows Defender says the same thing.

My computer is less than a year old and has ample resources.


I tried turning off the Windows 7 firewall but that didn't help.



So, what could be the problem?

Darryl,

Thank you for your reply. I have turned off the avast firewall but to no effect. Or at least, I think it was the firewall I turned off but they call it a network shield.

Darryl,

Thanks, it worked.