"itunes could not connect..."

Question

I keep getting the error message "itunes could not connect to the itunes store..." I can connect just fine to the internet and other computers on my LAN work just fine. I've reset all of IE's settings and have disable usage of any proxy servers. Here is what itunes network diagnostics tells me. Of note is that I can connect just fine to the Apple website, just not the itunes site.
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
Sony Corporation VGN-S380P
iTunes 7.0.0.70
Current user is an administrator.
Network Adapter Information
Adapter Name: {5A024E51-1512-4BDE-XXXX-XXXXXXX}
Description: Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
IP Address: 192.168.1.109
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
DHCP Enabled: Yes
DHCP Server: 192.168.1.1
Lease Obtained: Tue Sep 12 13:47:15 2006
Lease Expires: Wed Sep 13 13:47:15 2006
DNS Servers: 192.168.1.1
Adapter Name: {14B2AD16-DB4E-4F47-XXXX-XXXXXXX}
Description: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection #2 - Packet Scheduler Miniport
IP Address: 192.168.1.103
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
DHCP Enabled: Yes
DHCP Server: 192.168.1.1
Lease Obtained: Tue Sep 12 19:49:58 2006
Lease Expires: Wed Sep 13 19:49:58 2006
DNS Servers: 192.168.1.1
Network Connection Information
Active Connection: LAN Connection
Connected: Yes
Online: Yes
Using Modem: No
Using LAN: Yes
Using Proxy: No
SSL 3.0 Support: Enabled
TLS 1.0 Support: Enabled
Firewall Information
Windows Firewall is on.
iTunes is enabled in Windows Firewall.
Connection attempt to Apple web site was successful.
Connection attempt to iTunes Store was unsuccessful.
The network connection was refused.
Secure connection attempt to iTunes Store was unsuccessful.
The network connection was refused.

Answer 1

I've had the same problem as frozenchipmunk re: "itunes could not connect to the itunes store. The network connection was refused." This problem had started about two weeks ago for no obvious reason. I have other PC & Mac computers connected via wireless to the same network without any itunes music store connection issues. I've performed the suggestions on this and other discussions without results. Interestingly, I can connect to the internet without a problem, but noticed I cannot connect using certain programs such as Google Earth (also a recent problem...related to the itunes issue?)
I'd love to also be able to download podcasts via itunes but that is also not possible! Any ideas out there?
Dell Dimension 8200   Windows XP