hyperlink error icon problems

[donna]

Hi. I've had IE6 for some time with no problems opening hyperlinks. However,
for the past few weeks, I cannot open any hyperlinks in IE without getting an
error icon (small window with a big red "X" over it). Please note that this
does not happen with other browsers. I've performed all security checks with
no problems found. All I've done is update Windows regularly. Does anyone
know why this just started to happen and how I can fix it without having to
reinstall IE since I can't lose all the data in OE in the process? Thanks.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting the requested logs
in an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=4075
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

**Seek expert assistance in
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
or other appropriate forums.**

If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.

 

[donna]

I'm not ashamed to admit it. However, two things have arisen I need your
opinion on. (1) there is a suspicious file listed in the Start/Programs
titled "DBXpress." When I click on it, I get a window stating that it's a
file and listing all my DBX files for OE. I checked the OE Store Root
Directory, which has all the same files listed there. Do you think it is OK
to delete this file from programs?

(2) I just updated my Ad-Aware program in order to run another security
check, having downloaded a newer version of the program last time. However,
after completing 1 of 2 updates, the program shut down for about twenty
minutes and wouldn't let me back in. Could deceptive software have
piggybacked onto my program update and if so, should I remove the program
entirely and download it again from a reputable site (any suggestions here?)?
Thanks.

 

[donna]

I'm not ashamed to admit it. However, two things have arisen I need your
opinion on. (1) there is a suspicious file listed in the Start/Programs
titled "DBXpress." When I click on it, I get a window stating that it's a
file and listing all my DBX files for OE. I checked the OE Store Root
Directory, which has all the same files listed there. Do you think it is OK
to delete this file from programs?

(2) I just updated my Ad-Aware program in order to run another security
check, having downloaded a newer version of the program last time. However,
after completing 1 of 2 updates, the program shut down for about twenty
minutes and wouldn't let me back in. Could deceptive software have
piggybacked onto my program update and if so, should I remove the program
entirely and download it again from a reputable site (any suggestions here?)?
Thanks.

 

[Peter Foldes]

Donna

(1) DBXpress is a legitimate program and I would not delete it. It is the program
that finds lost\deleted mail\files in Outlook Express

(2)Ad-Aware lately has been flaky as far as their servers are concerned. This issue
is at their end

(3) Follow the advice that was given to you by PA Bear as he posted above

Let us know

--
Peter

Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

A1. Someone (perhaps you) chose to *purchase* and install DBXpress:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

A2. If you're referring to (a) upgrading your older version of Ad-Aware
(e.g., Ad-Aware SE) to Ad-Aware AE and then (2) installing updates for
Ad-Aware AE, yes, many "hijackware" infections will disable if not outright
cripple all security-related applications (e.g., anti-virus; anti-spyware;
third-party firewall; Automatic Updates/Windows Update).

 

[donna]

If I reinstall IE6, will I lose all my messages in OE? Someone told me this
once. And sorry about the DBXpress question. Thanks.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Please state your full Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3)?

It's doubtful that reinstalling IE6 (even if you could do so) would resolve
your hyperlink problem. If, as I suspect, the behavior's being caused by
"hijackware," the Bad Guys have infected Windows, not IE, Donna.

That being said & done properly, reinstalling IE6 should not have any effect
whatsoever on your message store.