it started happening about a half a year ago, my ftp and all online games wouldn't connect i tried port forwarding, and i checked everything

 

ISP doesn't have any restrictions, and i don't have a firewall, so that cant block anything

 

from that, does anyone know whats wrong?

What operating system are you using?

XP service pack 2

That has a built-in firewall, though it's supposed to ignore outgoing requests to connect. Have you look at its settings? You can bring it up by going to Start, Control Panel, Windows Firewall. You can turn it off, but it will nag you about it. But that would at least allow you to test your connections. You can also add exceptions there.

 

If you're able to hit the Internet (which is obviously the case) but not connect specific programs, that definitely suggests a port blockage of some sort, so I would definitely check this.

i always have that turned off, i told it i would monitor the firewall so it doesnt bug me

 

ive checked the ports, ive allowed everything through my router and wherever i can, it just wont let me connect

So you're unable to connect with anything other than a Web browser?

 

That definitely suggests port blocking taking place somewhere.

i can connect to browser, messengers, one game,

everything else is unconnectable...

 

i tried to connect it straight to the dsl box and it still didnt work

Try using the Shields Up tools from GRC to check which of your ports are open.

it says all are in stealth

For your average Windows XP installation, that is not right. Usually it is advertising its presence on a good few of them. Something is definitely blocking ports. Does your router have a hardware firewall, NAT, or anything like that?

i have a router, but i have accepted the ports through that

 

and i have tried hooking up the computer just to the connection, not using the router

And that works ok? So it's just the computer?

 

Have you checked to see if your motherboard has a hardware firewall? Some of them do, controlled through BIOS or software.

i dont think its on the MB if it is its odd because it does the same on my HP and Dell

So you're having the problem with all computers? That would point to the router or the service provider.

i called the isp, they dont have a block on anything

 

i hooked one computer up to the connection directly, no through the router, still didnt work

It has to be something to do with the ISP then. Which ISP is it?

If you have any friends on the same ISP, ask if they have the same problem. If they do not, get them to bring their laptop to your house and try using your connection.

i have ponderosa telephone

its the only isp i could get where i am

it work for about 4 years but it recently just stopped

 

none of my friends ahve the same isp

or laptop

 

and they dont live near me

When you say you hooked it up directly, do you mean through like a DSL modem? Those can have firewalls as well.

and how do i access those

 

but the thing is that ive had the box for 5 years now and it hasent had a problem till recently

Sorry we haven't been more help for you -- I know these problems can be really frustrating. In answer to your question, the modem may or may not have a web interface, just like the router. I know that's the case with my equipment here at the house, but the modem's interface is basically bypassed and controlled by the router.

 

It's possible the box is just on the fritz. Have you tried just challenging their tech support people to either return a solution or replace the box? Or do they think it's not a problem because you can access basic web services? I know you don't have a lot of options but you shouldn't put up with any nonsense if they try anything -- you're the customer.

well, im moving 3000 miles in a couple days so if it still persists then ill take it somewhere and see whats wrong with it.

It is not unknown for customer services types to tell customers complete lies, expecting them to be technically illiterate.

if there technically illiterate then they shouldent be working there

The customers, not the staff.

ohh, read it wrong