anydomain.com no longer works

[Guest]

I had a major spyware attack yesterday and used ad-aware to remove it with no
issues. However now when I type strictly domain names like "google.com" or
"microsoft.com" (Leaving out the www. ) Instead of getting the web site, I'm
getting an error message in a seperate window (as compared to the browser
window)
"Cannot find #google.com. Make sure the path or Internet address is correct."

Any idea what setting got changed and how I can change it back. I like to
try and save every keystroke possible

 

[Eric Lawrence [MSFT]]

If you'd like to save keystrokes, try typing microsoft and hitting
CTRL+Enter. The www and .com should be added automatically.

Try one of the MVP's "IE Repair" pages listed in this newsgroup for
returning your previous feature.

--
Thanks,

Eric Lawrence
Program Manager
Internet Explorer Trust

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[Robert Aldwinckle]

I had a major spyware attack yesterday and used ad-aware to remove it with no
issues. However now when I type strictly domain names like "google.com" or
"microsoft.com" (Leaving out the www. ) Instead of getting the web site, I'm
getting an error message in a seperate window (as compared to the browser
window)
"Cannot find #google.com. Make sure the path or Internet address is correct."

Any idea what setting got changed and how I can change it back. I like to
try and save every keystroke possible

Why do you think that there is necessarily an HTTP server
at the IP address given by the domain name? For that matter
there is no guarantee that the domain name even has an address.
Use nslookup to test exactly which names have addresses.
Use telnet 80 to test whether those addresses have an HTTP
server active.

BTW if you want to save keystrokes create Favorites for names
you want to revisit and rename them to make them easier to find
using just a few characters. The advantage of that is that you will
then be using complete URLs (including a protocol prefix) so you
won't be dependent on the performance or possible corruption
of quirky features such as AutoSearch and AutoScan.
(AutoSearch can be invoked any time there appears to be a problem
with your DNS if your Address bar input does not use a protocol prefix.
AutoScan is the obsolete feature that the Ctrl-Enter "feechur" exploits.)
Many related registry values are favorite targets for spyware and malware
which is another good reason to reduce your reliance on them
by deliberately using full URLs as often as possible.


HTH

Robert Aldwinckle
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