Windows 7 forum: Windows 7 Not Connecting to Outside Servers

I am working with my Systems Administrator at my workplace to troubleshoot an issue we are having with new computers. We are not sure what the problem is, but believe it is a Windows 7 related issue. Therefore, I will start with posting this issue in this thread.


Summary: Computers will connect to the internet through a browser, but clients that need access to a remote server (program updaters, installers, clients that require server access such as online games or itunes) cannot connect.


Details: Until recently my company has only used workstations with XP-SP3 operating systems. We connect to the internet through a proxy server. Recently, we began upgrading our systems with Windows 7 Professional machines. At this time we have two. Email, web browsing and file downloads work without a problem. However, whenever a program tries to access an outside server it fails to connect. We don't believe the problem is related to any specific program but to the computer as a whole since the issue is consistent with several programs that need to access servers.

One example is the malware program we use. It returns a connection error whenever it tries to update its definitions. Another example is online games (permitted at my company during off-hours). One, in particular, uses a seperate installer to download the game client. The installer cannot connect to the server and pops up a "no internet connection found" message. I have several other examples, each with a unique error message, but the basic issues seems to be the same. They cannot connect to their servers.

We believe this may be a proxy issue. One indication of this is when we tried to access iTunes. When iTunes tried to connect it popped of a proxy authentication box. We filled in the required information and gained access. However, whenever we tried to send any info to iTunes (such as signing in to the store) the authentication box popped up again and we had to re-enter our info.

We have tried a multitude of solutions involving settings, firewall, anti-virus, etc. and so far have had no positive results. Also, this appears to be an issue with the individual machines and not the companies proxy settings in genera,l as the XP machines have no problems connecting to these servers using the same programs and they are on the same proxy.

Any suggestions as to where the issue might lie or what settings we might want to change? Thank you in advance for any assistance.