> It isn't computer specific on my end, because the
> forum viewing problems happen on a XP laptop and a
> Windows ME desktop. The only things the XP and ME
> comps have in common is the hosts files directing
> certain google URLs to 127.0.0.1. I will keep my
> hosts files the way they are.


I'd have to guess that is incorrect, specifically, "The only things the XP and
ME comps have in common is the hosts files directing certain google URLs to
127.0.0.1."  I mean if you really think about it.  They probably have numerous
things in common- are they used in the same location, on the same subnet,
behind the same firewall or router?  Used by the same person/people, only you
or others?  Same printer?  Same A/V? Same proxy or other network settings? 
etc. etc. etc.

Most likely, what you are *missing* is what they *do* have in common if you
have the *same* problem with both of them that most people don't...

Good luck,
~Bd