Updated itunes now can't access store

Question

Hi, I updated to iTunes 8.2 yesterday & have just tried to access the store which is not happening. I managed to access the home page once. There were no messages to say there is a problem. I'm not very good at computers but hopefully have followed instructions so far.
I ran a diagnostic test on network connectivity which told me the secure link to the store failed.
I followed those directions & still no joy. I am currently using Google Chrome.
Here are the stats.
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
INTEL_ D845GBV_
iTunes 8.2.0.23
QuickTime 7.6.2
FairPlay 1.4.10
iPod Updater Library 8.1d19
CD Driver 2.1.0.1
CD Driver DLL 2.1.1.1
Apple Mobile Device 2.5.1.3
Apple Mobile Device Driver not found.
Bonjour 1.0.6.2 (118.5)
iTunes Serial Number 714B9EE2A143A6CF
Current user is an administrator.
The current local date and time is 2009-06-21 10:32:52.
iTunes is not running in safe mode.
Video Display Information
Intel(R) 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller
** External Plug-ins Information **
No external plug-ins installed.
** Network Connectivity Tests **
Network Adapter Information
Adapter Name: {D8A5D7B6-9F6F-405F-9345-635C4560A98E}
Description: Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
IP Address: 10.16.145.226
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.252
Default Gateway: 10.16.145.225
DHCP Enabled: No
DHCP Server: 192.168.0.1
Lease Obtained: Thu Jan 01 08:00:00 1970
Lease Expires: Thu Jan 01 08:00:00 1970
DNS Servers: 61.88.88.88
61.88.88.88
Active Connection: LAN Connection
Connected: Yes
Online: Yes
Using Modem: No
Using LAN: Yes
Using Proxy: Yes
HTTP Proxy: 10.16.145.225:9877
HTTPS Proxy: 10.16.145.225:9877
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 unsuccessful.
An unknown error occurred (-28).
Connection attempt to iTunes Store was unsuccessful.
An unknown error occurred (-28).
Secure connection attempt to iTunes Store was unsuccessful.
An unknown error occurred (-28).
Secure connection attempt to iPhone activation server unsuccessful.
An unknown error occurred (-28).
Last successful store access was 2009-06-21 10:18:56.
Thankyou.

Answer 1

Thanks Katrina.
I went into Internet options - connections - LAN settings and unticked the Proxy server button. I hope that's what you meant.
Tried itunes & it worked.
For interest sake I went back & ticked it again & itunes still worked but probably a bit slower.
I don't really understand what Proxy server is but would like to know if it's better to have it on or off.
It's been an hour & a half since I last tried the store(when it wasn't working) . Is it possible it was down for a while?