Prob. OS problem => Browser failure

[jaymax]

Platform: A Dell Inspiron running XP Professional v. 2.002 SP 3

Browsers, IE 8.x and Firefox 3.5x have failed to process http files sent from servers

I can successfully ping the sites, domain names => IP # conversions OK

Entering IP # in http URL address makes no difference.

All returns "Done" in Status Bar, and no page displayed.

Within local LAN same problem exist, Status html page of printer not displayed but jobs sent to printer will be processed.

Hints, suggestions welcomed.

Thanks.