BleepingComputer.com: IE 8 and Google Chrome and MSN Messenger NOT working (but Firefox does)

My tablet is running Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 Version 2002 SP3.

All 3 applications cannot seem to connect to the internet. IE 8 displays the "Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage" page, while Chrome gives me an "Error 101 (net::ERR_CONNECTION_RESET): Unknown error.". Then MSN gives me "Error code: 80048820" and cannot sign in.

This all happens, but I can still use my Firefox for some reason. (as I am now to ask for your kind help)

I only remember one significant event occurring between the last time the 3 applications worked until now. I installed Stardock's WindowBlinds product. However, after applying a skin, I didn't like it at all. I remember uninstalling the product and then also using System Restore to the point before I installed WindowBlinds. But that resulted in my computer turning VERY strange and nothing was working properly... so I restored my computer to its previous state.

Could that have been the trouble? I'm not sure what other data I can provide...

But thanks in advance!

Never mind! I have fixed it (i think). I went to:
IE 8 --> Tools --> Internet Options --> Connections --> LAN Settings
Then I selected "Automatically detect settings" and unselected "Use a proxy server for your LAN..."