I have been unable to access the Windows update site for a couple of weeks now. I just get a message saying "Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage" and saying I have connection problems. Same thing is replicated with any other Microsoft site I try to access. The Automatic Updates also do not work.

I can access every other wesbite I've surfed to. I've tried Googling the problem and based on what other site have suggested I have cleared my cache and temp files. I've scanning my hard drive with my antivirus in case I have a virus (nada). I've tried turning off my firewall and anti-virus (I run Zone Alarm). I've downloaded SpyBot and scanned my drive with that in case something was missed by Zone Alarm (again nada).

Based on suggestions from the smart cookies on the Bad Science forum, I've used nslookup to check my translation isn't wonky (got all the info they said I should get). I've also tried navigating there directly using the IP address I was given (nope).

I normally access the internet through a 3 mobile broadband connection, but have also tried connecting using a mate's wi-fi connection in case it was something on my mobile modem interferring.

I run Windows XP SP3 with Internet Explorer 7 and Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite as my anti-virus/ firewall.

Any suggestions?