No internet connection

I have a WINME computer with Aol 9.0 dial up access that I am working on for a friend. He can not connect to Aol anymore the modem dignostic is nominal and it dials out but after a “handshake” nothing is retrieved such as access numbers. I installed a free isp which connects but we can not navigate without a “windows explorer can not open the search page” error. I installed Spybot S&D and Adaware SE which found DSSAGENT and DSO Exploit. He has not updated or scanned this computer for virii in months. I am thinking about tcp/ip problems? What do you suggest? Thank you.