Have internet but browsers don't work. Windows Explorer not working

[slimpnode]

I have windows 7 on a laptop that I am currently experiencing a lot of problems with. I was away for about 10 months and when I get home and use laptop to go online the browsers (chrome, ie, opera) all say that I'm not connected to internet. I pulled up a DOS prompt and am able to ping by both IP address and domain name. I try to open windows explorer and see it's icon pop up on the task bar but the application never appears/becomes accessible. I don't seem to be able to use dvd drive or flash drives either. I would like to format my HD and reinstall windows but

1. there are some files I need to back up
2. the OS was pre-installed so i don't have a win 7 disk

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Bryant

 

[paul1149]

Try windows explorer and flash drives in Safe Mode (hit F8). If it works, back up your files first thing. And if it works, you should be able to repair the install.

You can also go to Repair Your Computer at boot and try system restore or last good configuration.

To Reset to factory, you should be able to access the Restore Partition. How to do that varies among makers.