RPC is started and status is auto.

RPC (locator) wasn't started. I started it and made it automatic.
Same problem as before.

In spite of not being able to access Help and Support (and yes, I like to be able to do that on occasion), I have no trouble accessing any site on the net or using any program. Save for this current problem, my computer is working 100% in all respects, except for an occasional minor quirk. Yes, I am using a firewall, the one built in in XP but it was in use before the Help and Support problem occurred.