Could not detect internet connection...

[Ira]

I can't update my definitions. I receive: "Warning, could
not connect to the internet!" and "Updates have failed.
AutoUpdate could not detect an internet connection."
This occurs when I am connected via wireless modem, 802.11,
or Ethernet network, with or without firewalls. My IE
browser is set to work "Online", and all other applications
can reach the internet.

 

[Steven]

I am having the same problems as Ira, and I have a
similar setup (wireless internet access, etc). The
problem is occuring on both my desktop and laptop. The
only thing new has been the installation of CounterSpy
software. I read that there is some type of relationship
between Microsoft and CounterSpy. I don't know if this is
causing the problem. Would appreciate help in resolving
the issue.

 

[JohnF.]

Do not have MSAS and Counterspy installed - they are related but not
friendly.

--
If you are under attack and MSAS does not seem to help:

*Submit suspected spyware report in the tools menu of MSAS*

*Here is an excellent page showing you how to kill off spyware!*
http://tinyurl.com/awnad (smitfraud, in this case)

*Symantec Adware/Spyware removal tools:*
http://tinyurl.com/5y9cx

PREP YOUR MACHINE FIRST!
- IF you are using Spybot S/D, UN-Immunize your computer
- IF you are using Adaware, turn off AD-Watch
- Disable all other active anti-spy applications
- Dump all temporary file locations and Internet files

1. Download:
lspfix.exe www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
winsockxpfix.exe www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html
ccleaner.exe www.ccleaner.com
killbox.exe www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/killbox.php

2. Clean out all temp file locations with ccleaner.exe

3. Install and use killbox to delete stubborn files

4. Reboot into safe mode - http://tinyurl.com/pfca
5. Run MSAS at least twice in full/deep mode
6. Run a robust, updated antivirus software scan
7. Reboot into normal mode,see if problem has been corrected

8. If you think something is there but can't see it, download:
- Blacklight by F-Secure
www.europe.f-secure.com/exclude/blacklight/blbeta.exe
- RootKitRevealer by SysInternals
www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/rootkitreveal.shtml

9. If your problem is Virus or Security patch related:
In the United States or Canada, call 1-866-PCSAFETY
MS will provide free support for those issues.

Battle Notes:
- If you have trojans (files that won't go away),
you may have to disable System Restore on XP:
http://tinyurl.com/movy

- If your Internet connectivity quits:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892350
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811259
LSPFix - www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
Winsockxpfix - www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html

- This program will not detect or remove viruses
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/default.mspx

Application Notes:
Registering a VB6 dll seems to fix missing agents:
1) Open up a command prompt (start -> run -> cmd)
2) Type in the following "regsvr32 msvbvm60.dll" (without the quotes).
3) Close and re-open Windows AntiSpyware
4) If that fails, install VB6 runtime files:
http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/vbrun6download.htm

- To report false positives:
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/fpform.aspx
- To submit disputes or requests:
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/cdform.aspx
- To learn more about how MS analyzes suspected spyware:
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/analysis.mspx
- To Run MSAS in passive mode:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892375

Alternative Anti-Spyware Applications:
- Spybot Search and Destroy
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html
- LavaSoft AdAware
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download506.html
- AdAware VX2 Cleaner Plugin
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4283.html
- PestPatrol
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download1187.html
- Webroot Spysweeper
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3263.html
- Ewido Security Suite
http://www.ewido.net/en/
- CounterSpy (Same Giant Company Engine as MSAS)
- http://www.sunbelt-software.com

Recommended Software to help protect you:
- Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
- SpywareBlaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com
- Outpost Firewall Pro
http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost
---------------------------------------------

 

[Ira]

I don't have counterspy installed, and still can't update.

 

[JohnF.]

See if any of these instructions will help:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892350
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811259