BleepingComputer.com: Unable to update programs, IE can't access internet

Hello! I've had this problem for a few months now - my computer was attacked by a virus at that time, and I cleaned it up with some of the usual programs - ccleaner, glary utilities, superantispyware and malwarebytes. Ever since then most of my software is unable to update, and not only that but Internet Explorer isn't able to access the web. Thank goodness Firefox is able to. For example, I try to update Photoshop, and it says 'unable to connect to the internet, please check your firewall or connection'. Similar response when trying to use IE - I run the diagnostics and it says 'windows cannot connect to the internet using http etc, and is probably caused by firewall settings on this computer. check firewall settings for http prt (80), https port (443) and ftp port (21)'. So, I've run every diagnostic and maintenance program that I know of, turned off the firewall, installed zone alarm in lieu of the windows firewall, and none of it has helped. I really don't want to reload windows and start over, but I'm running out of options. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or help - thank you.

Try reinstalling IE.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318378

Sometimes less is more...thank you so much for your simple yet effective suggestion...I reset IE, and now everything can update. I didn't realize so much was tied to IE for updates, such as Photoshop...this has made me crazy for two months now. Thanks again, it's very much appreciated!

Dave