Vista x64 new install: Slow internet connection in normal mode; fast in safe mode

I just did a clean re-install of Vista x64 on a new hard drive (old drive crashed). Here's the problem:

Using my ISP (Roadrunner Carolinas) speed test site; I get around 200 to 400 kbps download speeds using IE in normal mode. If I boot to Safe Mode, I get around 3500 to 4500 kbps, which is what it should be (this is what I used to get in normal mode before I re-installed Vista).

Running the same speed test with Firefox, I get around 1500 to 2000 kbps in normal mode, but if I try to download a file it transfers at only the 200 to 400 kbsp rate (if I'm lucky).

Here's more detail about the system and what I've done so far:

Installed all updates including SP2.
Using Windows Firewall, no anti-virus.
Updated network drivers directly from NVidia (Chipset is nForce750i)
Updated graphics card drivers directly from NVidia
Disabled all LAN protocols except for Client for Microsoft Networks and IPv4
Connected via ethernet cable directly to cable modem, no router.
I've deliberately refrained from loading anything but the basics until I can get this sorted out.

This really the second clean install I've done in 24 hrs. After the first one, I upgraded and added a lot of software and add-ons before I figured out the connection problem; so I decided the easiest fix would be to re-format and start over, checking each step to see what caused the slow-down. Unfortunately once I did the second clean install I tested right away and I had the connection problem from the get-go. Since then, any action I took (loading upgrades, drivers, software, etc.) I have run the connection test after every step.

My skills with computers are a bit better than average but this is way beyond me! Thanks in advance to anyone who can point me in the right direction!

run msconfig and uncheck startups that you are POSITIVE are safe to do so. See if your speed picks up. Then allow one startup at a time.

MSCONFIG: speeding up Windows Vista startup

....I should have mentioned that I cleared all startup programs already.

I've also tried a clearing all non-microsoft services. Did not work.

you seem pretty knowledgeable. did you install the latest network drivers? do you have primary and secondary dns?

Barking Spleen said:

....I should have mentioned that I cleared all startup programs already.

Click to expand...

You have any background with packet sniffers? Does you ISP cap you for speed, capacity or time?

Interesting problem (for me not so much for you)

let me research this a bit

Ken

lemur - yes I've downloaded the latest network drivers directly from NVidia. In my IPv4 configuration, the DNS server address is configured to be obtained automatically. Is that what you mean?

zigzag - No background with packet sniffers. I did call RoadRunner and they verified the modem connection checked out OK from their end. I don't think I am capped for speed, I have the standard RR service plan which is 10Mbps/1Mbps