text: cannot connect to certain sites like microsoft.com from my laptop through lan to my desktop? i disabled the firewall and antivirus programs ( windows onecare) but for nothing.   thank you check for any other firewall, antivirus, anti spam and spyware software. those could be mcaffee, norton, or adware  apart from this check internet options> on  general....delete cookies, files> all ofline content security....check for restricted sites, click custom level, select medium low and click reset privacy....accept all cookies connections.....no connection under dial up and virtual private network setting if you are using broadband, click lan settings and make sure no boxes are selected. advanced.....click restore defaults click apply and ok. reopen ie and try again.