[strate]

All right, safe mode with network works, using the router (didn't try just the modem). What next, in order to narrow it down to eventual malware/firewall issues (if that is the case?)?

I did try a few firewalls very recently, but they have been uninstalled. Could traces of those be the issue? Also, as mentioned, I do get some hits using various spy/malware searchprograms.

Thanks!

[JohnWill]

Traces of firewalls could be an issue. I've taken to using Revo Uninstaller for removals, it removes all traces of a product after the maker's uninstall runs.

[strate]

Didn't find any traces of anything firewall-related at all, using both CCleaner and Revo. However, I learnt the computer had 2 annoying infections that I couldn't be bothered to get rid of. Good old-fashioned reformat solved it all.

Many thanks for the help though, it was not in vain - I learned a few things Also, the speed-issue has been tracked down by tracing the DNS, which leads to an old ISP we haven't used in months. The household is basically paying ISP #1 for 2.0mbit, while connected on ISP #2's 0.5 line (and this has changed after being connected to the 2.0 one for several months). Thumbs down on that one!

Again, thanks for the help!