Very weird PC problem

[Sidk]

Try running winsockfix.

[GodOfRhythm]

Wew, large response! I'll try a wide variety of the things listed above!

Well we got as far as determining it was actually my connection trying to go through a VPN (from some german corporate site). Cleared it from the register and whatnot, to no avail, I'll check all of this out now and see if it helps! Thanks!

[Freehill]

Ward, it's cool that you removed that program from the registry. I still think there is a lingering LSP somewhere maybe. The winsockfix probably resets the Windows winsock like you can through netsh. Anytime you reset the TCP/IP stack or winsock there is a good chance it will break some internet applications, and they will need to be reinstalled.