I applied this:-
Hi all.
I deal with a similar Win98/ME issue all the time. The issue being that you can ping IP addresses anywhere on the Internet, but cannot resolve DNS names. Assuming that your TCP/IP settings are configured correctly, the following information might help.
Again, this information applies only to Win 98/ME.
1. Make sure you have your OS CD or the correct .CAB files available for the particular version of 98/98se/ME.
2. Remove ALL instances of TCP/IP from Network Properties. DO NOT reboot when prompted to do so.
3. Delete the following registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\WinSock2
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VXD\AFVXD
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\DHCP
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\DHCPOptions
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\MSTCP
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\Winsock
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\Winsock2
4. Reboot.
5. Reinstall TCP/IP.
6. Reboot.
In my experience this issue is often caused by the installation and/or uninstallation of 3rd party internet-related programs such as spyware or firewall software. However, sometimes there seems to be no obvious cause. Have had much success with this fix.
Hope it helps.
Cheers,
peanutsmm
And also some used other tips for removing the last remnents of Zone alarm (after it has been previously uninstalled).
This restored the PING response.
My IE5 had a fatal fault which manifested itself when visiting certain sites, unfortunately one of the sites was the microsoft download site. So I downloaded IE6 from a 3rd party site then went to microsoft update, created restore points before each update. Everything went in fine, what a relief.
Ran adaware, re-intsalled zone alarm, permitted the ping access to the internet, did a full virusscan.
