Fixing or REPLACING I.E.6

[~ FreeSpirit ~]

Can anyone tell me why I have to keep rebooting my PC every few hours to use
IE? If I don't reboot at least every 2 to 3 hours all I get is this same
"error"
window. After a REBOOT it again works. This is getting very OLD.

Please,... how do I fix IE so it works without having to reboot the PC every
few hours. I have BohDemon so no browser hijackers, I run spybot, adaware,
Norton AV, etc - my PC is clean. What is causing this to happen more and
more often?

I did a scandisk/fix errors and it rebooted but now I.E. no longer
works. I was able to get one website this morning - then the same "cannot
be displayed window again.

All I get is this page for all websites tried. Any suggestions? There
are LOADS of application errors in the log and a few Service Control
errors - now what???? What fixes all these problems?

I ran Norton AV, spybot, adaware, Spyblaster, have Bhod so no browser
jackers etc.

"The page cannot be displayed
The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The Web site
might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust
your
browser settings..... SNIP"

FS~

 

[Jan Il]

Hi FreeSpirit

What exactly is the "error" you are getting when this happens? Can you give
us the exact wording of the error message, it would be very helpful. As
would the version of Windows and IE you are using. Also, are you on dialup,
broadband or other connection? Does it just stop working, or does it shut
down completely?

There are a few things that can cause these types of problems outside of
bugs, so, not knowing the OS you have, I can only toss out a few random
suggestions you might try.

But, BohDemon that you have, or perhaps it is Bozeman, is not exactly a good
indicator of whether or not you have a hijacker. And, there may be other
types of malware or parasites on your system that Norton, AdAware or SpyBot
are not programmed to detect. Thus, your system may actually not be clean.

Also, it may be that your connection setups need to be adjusted, as in,
they could be disconnecting for some reason, or dropping off. There are
other things besides scumware that can cause that to happen.

Here's a few things to check:

AutoDisconnect doesn't work or the settings change
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers.htm#disconnect

or..............

Most versions of Windows will have an option that will disconnect the
computer from the Internet after a certain amount of time the system has
been idle while on the Internet. This is referred to as the Idle Disconnect
feature. When this occurs, the system will bring up a warning to let you
know that "the connection has been idle for X amount of time, would you like
to stay online" and then give you the option to stay connected or
disconnect. While this can be a nifty feature, many find this to be a
nuisance. Here's how to disable this feature:

Click on the START button, Go to SETTINGS, and then click on CONTROL PANEL
Double-click on the INTERNET or INTERNET OPTIONS icon
If you had the INTERNET icon, click on the tab that says CONNECTION, then
look in the middle of the window. There will be a checkbox that says
"Disconnect if idle for ." and put a check in this box. Then press OK and
the Idle Disconnect feature should be disabled.
If you had the INTERNET OPTIONS icon, click on the tab that says CONNECTION,
then look for a button labeled SETTINGS on the right-hand side. In the next

window that comes up, look at the bottom portion for "Dial-up settings" and
on the right, click on the ADVANCED button. In the next window that appears,
here will be a checkbox that says "Disconnect if idle for.". Click on this
box to place a check in it, then press OK until no more OK buttons are
displayed on the screen. The Idle Disconnect feature should now be disabled.


IE shuts down without warning
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers_5.htm#shuts_down



Open an ms-dos prompt window (Start>Run>) and type the following (one entry
at a time), and press enter after each line. A message will appear stating
that these have been registered successfully.

regsvr32 Shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 Shell32.dll (this command only for Win2000 and XP)
regsvr32 Oleaut32.dll
regsvr32 Actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 Mshtml.dll
regsvr32 Urlmon.dll

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306831
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;27655


also...do the following to properly check for scumware on your system as you
may have a hijacker, malware, spyware or parasites on your system causing
this problem. Thus, in addition to running your updated anti-virus program,
you should do the following to be sure none of these are present on your
system. Although you may have already run one or more of the programs,
please do so again according to the instructions below. Be aware that some
variants of malware can replicate themselves over and over if not removed
properly. Please follow all instructions carefully to be sure your system
is thoroughly cleaned:

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Be sure to run CWShredder, AdAware and Spybot.
Download the newest version of HiJackThis here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/hijackthis.php
(or Spybot - Search and Destroy DSO Exploit Fix 1.3.1 TX)
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4392.html
Also be sure to use the HijackThis. Please DO NO post your log to this
newsgroup, but to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below:
http://www.hijackthis.de/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10&guestlanguageid=4
the Aumha HiJackThis forums
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
or Spyware Beware:
http://forums.maddoktor2.com/index.php?showforum=17
to allow the experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of the
necessary steps to clean your system.

Also this program searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
About Buster:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html

CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

Also, get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
Also, with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also
From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
also ....
(NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)

or ........

Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip

Also.........

Courtesy of Jim Byrd -

Download Sysclean.com, from Trend Micro, here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp along with the latest pattern
file, here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp
Be sure to read the "How-to" info here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/tsc/readme.txt
You might also want to get Art's updater, SYS-UP.Zip, here for future
updating of these: http://home.epix.net/~artnpeg/.
(If you download and use the updater from the beginning, it will
automatically handle downloading the other files. Place them in a dedicated
folder after appropriate unzipping, and then run. This scan may take a long
time, as Sysclean is VERY extensive and thorough

and......

NOTE: If you can not download these programs from the Internet, if your PC
has CD read capabilities, go to another computer with CD-ROM burning
capabilities. Create a folder on the hard drive of the other computer called
HOLD, download the programs to that folder, then burn that folder to a CD.
Copy the HOLD folder to your HD and then install the programs from there
and run them. After you have IE access again, update all programs where
possible to get the latest definitions and run them again in Safe Mode to be
sure there are no lingering items on the system.

also...........

Additional information on how to protect your PC:
The Parasite Fight http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
More security tips at http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
Bugs, Glitches & Stuffups: http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm

If these steps do not resolve your problem, or you need help with the above,
please post back to this thread with the details and any error messages.

Hope this helps

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Replies are posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.
How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[~ FreeSpirit ~]

Hi FreeSpirit

What exactly is the "error" you are getting when this happens? Can you
give
us the exact wording of the error message, it would be very helpful.

$$$ Here it is:

The page cannot be displayed
The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The Web site
might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your
browser settings.

Please try the following:

a.. Click the Refresh button, or try again later.

b.. If you typed the page address in the Address bar, make sure that
it is spelled correctly.

c.. To check your connection settings, click the Tools menu, and
then click Internet Options. On the Connections tab, click Settings. The
settings should match those provided by your local area network (LAN)
administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).
d.. See if your Internet connection settings are being detected. You
can set Microsoft Windows to examine your network and automatically discover
network connection settings (if your network administrator has enabled this
setting).
1.. Click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options.
2.. On the Connections tab, click LAN Settings.
3.. Select Automatically detect settings, and then click OK.
e.. Some sites require 128-bit connection security. Click the Help
menu and then click About Internet Explorer to determine what strength
security you have installed.
f.. If you are trying to reach a secure site, make sure your
Security settings can support it. Click the Tools menu, and then click
Internet Options. On the Advanced tab, scroll to the Security section and
check settings for SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, PCT 1.0.
g.. Click the Back button to try another link.

Cannot find server or DNS Error
Internet Explorer


As

would the version of Windows and IE you are using.

$$$ Version 6 - It came on the PC.

Also, are you on dialup,

broadband or other connection? Does it just stop working, or does it shut
down completely?

$$$ It suddenly just stops getting to the webpages. I also lose Usenet and
these NGs at the same time. Sometimes e-mail will keep working, sometimes
not. We have a dial-up "up" connection but have a Direcway Satellite
return.

There are a few things that can cause these types of problems outside of
bugs, so, not knowing the OS you have, I can only toss out a few random
suggestions you might try.

$$$ Oh, sorry, I have WXP-Home with SP2 installed. But the problem started
a few days before installing SP2.

But, BohDemon that you have, or perhaps it is Bozeman, is not exactly a
good
indicator of whether or not you have a hijacker. And, there may be other
types of malware or parasites on your system that Norton, AdAware or
SpyBot
are not programmed to detect. Thus, your system may actually not be
clean.

$$$ What else can I use to find scumware??? I'm willing to try anything at
this point.

Also, it may be that your connection setups need to be adjusted, as in,
they could be disconnecting for some reason, or dropping off. There are
other things besides scumware that can cause that to happen.

Here's a few things to check:

AutoDisconnect doesn't work or the settings change
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers.htm#disconnect

Most versions of Windows will have an option that will disconnect the
computer from the Internet after a certain amount of time the system has
been idle while on the Internet. This is referred to as the Idle
Disconnect
feature. When this occurs, the system will bring up a warning to let you
know that "the connection has been idle for X amount of time, would you
like
to stay online" and then give you the option to stay connected or
disconnect. While this can be a nifty feature, many find this to be a
nuisance. Here's how to disable this feature:

$$$ OK, I have never seen this come up on either W98SE or WXP-home. Also
the problem doesn't affect the two other computers on the net-work, and this
PC with the problem is the server for them. They can get the webpages but
THIS computer cannot. See above. :*(

FS~

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE]

Eliminate any scumware.
CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of these programs ,
download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

See
Dealing with Unwanted Malware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

Note that AdAware and SpyBot S & D will each catch some things the other
won't. Also, each needs to be updated with the program's update function
before every use, even when just downloaded. There's also a lot more to do
than just those two programs. CWShredder is also available here:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/cwshredder.zip
**Post your HijackThis log to
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/ or the Spyware forum at
http://forum.aumha.org/ for expert analysis, not here.**
Alternative download pages for Ad-Aware, Spybot, HijackThis and CWShredder
may be found on this page:
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm.


See this link for information about malware:
http://arstechnica.com/articles/paedia/malware.ars

If nothing there helps, please post back to this thread.

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE
Please respond in Newsgroup. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

 

[~ FreeSpirit ~]

Eliminate any scumware.
CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of these programs
,
download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may
kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

See
Dealing with Unwanted Malware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

Note that AdAware and SpyBot S & D will each catch some things the other
won't. Also, each needs to be updated with the program's update function
before every use, even when just downloaded. There's also a lot more to
do
than just those two programs. CWShredder is also available here:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/cwshredder.zip
**Post your HijackThis log to
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/ or the Spyware forum at
http://forum.aumha.org/ for expert analysis, not here.**
Alternative download pages for Ad-Aware, Spybot, HijackThis and CWShredder
may be found on this page:
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm.


See this link for information about malware:
http://arstechnica.com/articles/paedia/malware.ars

If nothing there helps, please post back to this thread.

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE
Please respond in Newsgroup. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

==============================
Mr Sanders, thanks for the reply but I already have Spybot, AdAware,
BHodemon, Spywareblaster, Norton AV, Code Stuff Start-up-Monitor, CW
Shredder, & HiJackThis. I update them bi-weekly (except Norton/that's daily)
and run them faithfully. If this PC is infected I'd be really surprised.
I'll update them tonight and run them all again.....

FS~

 

[~ FreeSpirit ~]

Can someone help with this problem? I updated all my anti virus and spyware
and ran it last night. I ran scandisk/fix errors and defragged and the
problem persists!!! Even Hijack this showed nothing. Now PLEASE how do I
either fix or replace IE on a XP-SP2-home machine. I can't get any work
done!!!

FS~

 

[Robert Aldwinckle]

Cannot find server or DNS Error

There you go. It's a DNS error, probably intermittent so you can't
do much to diagnose it. If you are using a dial-up connection
and it seems permanent, hang-up and re-dial. If it is a broadband
connection and it is appropriate for your setup use an ipconfig
option to force a new lease and hopefully better DNS service
(e.g. ipconfig /registerdns ) (That would be simpler than the
reboot procedure you claim is now necessary.)

You should tell your ISP about the problem and ask them for some
alternatives. Or start looking for a different ISP. Use nslookup
to prove that the problem is the DNS. E.g just enter nslookup
in a command window; often it can't even connect with the server
or at least shows signs of frequent timeouts.

BTW you may find better suggestions in a newsgroup which
specializes in networking for your OS.


Good luck

Robert Aldwinckle
---

 

[~ FreeSpirit ~]

There you go. It's a DNS error, probably intermittent so you can't
do much to diagnose it. If you are using a dial-up connection
and it seems permanent, hang-up and re-dial. If it is a broadband
connection and it is appropriate for your setup use an ipconfig
option to force a new lease and hopefully better DNS service
(e.g. ipconfig /registerdns ) (That would be simpler than the
reboot procedure you claim is now necessary.)

## It's dialup with a Satellite return. I can always hangup and redial,
but only a *reboot* got back my use of IE6 for awhile. What is an "ipconfig
option?" I typed in (start/run) ipconfig /registerdns and a black DOS like
window flashed by.... ????? I don't know what you're talking about
here??!?!!?!!?

You should tell your ISP about the problem and ask them for some
alternatives. Or start looking for a different ISP. Use nslookup
to prove that the problem is the DNS. E.g just enter nslookup
in a command window;

## And what do I do when the black "command window" comes up? I know
nothing about DOS commands.

often it can't even connect with the server

or at least shows signs of frequent timeouts.

## What does? The command window just sat there with a blinking cursor. It
had my default server with an IP address. What do I do with that? Am I
supposed to type something in there?

BTW you may find better suggestions in a newsgroup which
specializes in networking for your OS.

## I already have..... the problem stopped when I removed ZoneAlarm5 from
my system - as suggested by someone on one of these NGs. But I must have a
good firewall so will try downloading a FRESH new ZA5 tonight. Please
explain the things you mentioned above in case the problem returns when we
reinstall ZA tonight. There may be a DNS problem as well as some kind of
clash between ZA and IE6/security fixes in SP2.

FS~

 

[Robert Aldwinckle]

## It's dialup with a Satellite return. I can always hangup and redial,
but only a *reboot* got back my use of IE6 for awhile. What is an "ipconfig
option?" I typed in (start/run) ipconfig /registerdns and a black DOS like
window flashed by.... ????? I don't know what you're talking about
here??!?!!?!!?

Sounds like you should spend some time with your online Help then.
Press Win-F1 and enter: command-line reference

## And what do I do when the black "command window" comes up?
I know nothing about DOS commands.

In NT we call them command window commands.
DOS was an earlier OS. NT's commands are like DOS
commands but there are some syntax differences
for common commands and lots of new NT-only commands.

## What does? The command window just sat there with a blinking cursor.
It had my default server with an IP address.

With no sign of timeout? That sounds normal then.

What do I do with that? Am I supposed to type something in there?

Well, if what you were describing is a normal connection with
your DNS you would be in nslookup's interactive mode
so you could enter nslookup subcommands or more specifically
verify the addressability of the sites that IE is getting its errors with.
Type exit to leave nslookup's subcommand context.

You can also verify addressability with the tracert and ping commands.
However, be aware that in those cases a proper DNS lookup may be
bypassed if there is enough information to satisfy it in the dnscache
(e.g. using overrides entered in the HOSTS file.)

If those things seem Ok the next thing that I would do is use
telnet (another NT command) to test if the failing site's port 80
is open. E.g. if you enter

telnet www.microsoft.com 80

normally the screen will clear. If the lookup fails or if an open port
is not detected you will get an error message. With that particular
site when the screen clears you can type GET /
(That's GET<space><slash><Enter>.)
and see an HTTP response from that server.


It would probably be a good idea for you to try these procedures
when things are working properly so you will have something
to compare with when they aren't.


Good luck

Robert
---

 

[~ FreeSpirit ~]

Sounds like you should spend some time with your online Help then.
Press Win-F1 and enter: command-line reference

## "Command line reference" brought up all kinds of information for my HP
Printer.

In NT we call them command window commands.
DOS was an earlier OS. NT's commands are like DOS
commands but there are some syntax differences
for common commands and lots of new NT-only commands.

## What would I use these command windows for? All I know is Windows. I
never used anything else. I have no clue what you type in these black
windows.

With no sign of timeout? That sounds normal then.

## Time out? Nothing but a blinking curser. However, the IE problems
stopped when I uninstalled ZoneAlarm5.

Well, if what you were describing is a normal connection with
your DNS you would be in nslookup's interactive mode
so you could enter nslookup subcommands or more specifically
verify the addressability of the sites that IE is getting its errors
with.
Type exit to leave nslookup's subcommand context.

## Enter a "subcommands?" What do non-techies do who don't know anything
about command windows? Where are "subcommands" entered?

You can also verify addressability with the tracert and ping commands.
However, be aware that in those cases a proper DNS lookup may be
bypassed if there is enough information to satisfy it in the dnscache
(e.g. using overrides entered in the HOSTS file.)

## ????

If those things seem Ok

## How does one know if they're OK?

the next thing that I would do is use

telnet (another NT command)

## What is an NT command?

to test if the failing site's port 80

is open. E.g. if you enter

telnet www.microsoft.com 80

normally the screen will clear.

## So I type this in the black command window and the webpage with the error
clears that means port 80 is not open? Or is open, and what does that mean
to me?

If the lookup fails or if an open port

is not detected you will get an error message.

## Where will the error message appear? On the Internet cleared window or
in the black window?

With that particular

site when the screen clears you can type GET /
(That's GET<space><slash><Enter>.)
and see an HTTP response from that server.

## This is also typed into the command window?

It would probably be a good idea for you to try these procedures
when things are working properly so you will have something
to compare with when they aren't.

## Where is information about using a command prompt in WXP to be found?
The average PC user like myself is not going to understand the above
information....

FS~

 

[Ricky]

## "Command line reference" brought up all kinds of information for my
HP Printer.



## What would I use these command windows for? All I know is Windows. I
never used anything else. I have no clue what you type in these black
windows.



## Time out? Nothing but a blinking curser. However, the IE problems
stopped when I uninstalled ZoneAlarm5.



## Enter a "subcommands?" What do non-techies do who don't know anything
about command windows? Where are "subcommands" entered?


## ????


## How does one know if they're OK?

the next thing that I would do is use

## What is an NT command?

to test if the failing site's port 80



## So I type this in the black command window and the webpage with the
error clears that means port 80 is not open? Or is open, and what does
that mean to me?

If the lookup fails or if an open port

## Where will the error message appear? On the Internet cleared window or
in the black window?

With that particular

## This is also typed into the command window?


## Where is information about using a command prompt in WXP to be found?
The average PC user like myself is not going to understand the above
information....

FS~

If you go to start..run..cmd and then type help in the box it will give you
a list of commands and what they do. You can get info about command prompt
in Help and Support.

 

[~ FreeSpirit ~]

==============================
If you go to start..run..cmd and then type help in the box it will give
you a list of commands and what they do.

$$ Thanks! Got it!

You can get info about command prompt

in Help and Support.

FS~

 

[Guest]

hi

Did you ever find a solution that worked to your problem? I have seen so
many other people with this problem on this newsgroup (it seems to be by FAR
the most commonly reported issue on this newsgroup) but as yet I havent seen
anyone say it fixed there problem. My suspicion is that most people are
giving up and reinstallking their entire operating system as the only option.

Do let me know. I want to raise the profile of this issue, as I dont believe
Microsoft are proving a proper resoltuion for all the damaged IE6 users
damaged by the numerous vuilnerablilities that they've at least admitted to .

Do post back and let me know?

Kind Regards,

Diom
(yet another user with intermittent DNS server errors in IE6)

 

[Guest]

hi

Did you ever find a solution that worked to your problem? I have seen so
many other people with this problem on this newsgroup (it seems to be by FAR
the most commonly reported issue on this newsgroup) but as yet I havent seen
anyone say it fixed there problem. My suspicion is that most people are
giving up and reinstallking their entire operating system as the only option.

Do let me know. I want to raise the profile of this issue, as I dont believe
Microsoft are proving a proper resoltuion for all the damaged IE6 users
damaged by the numerous vuilnerablilities that they've at least admitted to .

Do post back and let me know?

Kind Regards,

Diom
(yet another user with intermittent DNS server errors in IE6)

 

[Guest]

Hi Dom,

I too have been having the same problem and have also been scouring the net
to find that there are many posts about this issue but no real resolution has
been reached (or at least documented)

I find that I experience the problem about 8-12 minutes after booting up.
the only cure is a reboot. I have also experimented with Firefox and have
found that it too experiences almost the same thing - complete inability to
brows normal sites. Both browsers seem to lose the ability at the same time -
approx 10 mins after booting. Maybe this points towards a non-IE specific
issue?

I'm getting very close to simply biting the bullet and rebuilding my PC.
However, I know there is an answer out there somewhere. Will let you know if
I find it, hope you can do the same for me.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[Guest]

sadly i finally gave up and installed xp over win2k. its so annoying that
microsoft havent built a repair tool. all the dozens of so called "fix-it's"
listed on these groups are just distractions from the simple fact that they
havent got one that works

best

dom