I recently purchased a Zune, with the Zune software everything works, until I try to sign in. I figured out that the problem is that the software just can't connect to the internet. The same is true with the instalation of other windows software that needs a connection to install. I have windows XP home, and haven't had these problems before. I did find a crapload of registry errors, as well as a bunch of spyware, but after clearing them no change happened. It doesn't seem to be a firewall problem, and all of these programs work fine on other computers. I may have disabled some important component recently. If anyone could tell me what component or software allows these programs to run and contact the interent I would be grateful. I'm working on this problem myself, I just thought that some backup while I try things would be helpful. Thank you

Check your "security" settings in your "internet options".

I gave that a try, went in all of the tabs and turned the custom settings to the lowest security. No luck. Is there something more specific to try with this? I did turn my firewall off for a minute to try that, and it made no difference, so I know that it isn't an exception discrepancy.