IE6 can't connect.

[Charlie]

This is happening to a friend.
The problem began about a week ago.
She is the typical retiree user who is just doing email and limited
browsing.
Her start page is AOL and she is using Verizon's DSL.
The OS is XP and auto updates are selected.

What happens. If she goes to log on to start a session when the system
starts searching for AOL (or other sites) the URL in clear text appears just
above the task bar. Then spontaneously the address changes from clear text
to the IP address. The progress indicator freezes and then the canned
message that the page requested cannot be opened and there is the usual
hints about mistyping URLs etc.

On occasion, the URL remains as clear text and the requested page opens.

In an attempt to avoid potential conflicts, I have disabled AVG and any
firewall.

She has gone through three sessions over the past week with Verizon's help
desk. After implementing all their recommendations, The system may work
temporarily. But it soon returns to problem mode. I tried a system restore
back to a time before the problem occurred. This too brought only a
temporary fix.

Verizon claims the Modem is good and the device manager reports the network
card is in good order.

Verizon also suggests that there may be a browser fault.

What say you? What is the next course of action?

Charlie

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

In an attempt to avoid potential conflicts, I have disabled AVG and any

firewall.

Temporarily & briefly, one hopes.

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

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
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://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjunction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the 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.

 

[Charlie]

Temporarily & briefly, one hopes.

Yes, definitely temporary. I figured if you can't connect to the internet
then you can't get infected or otherwise compromised. As soon as the problem
is resolved the security applications will be reinstalled /activated.

Charlie

 

[JD]

This is happening to a friend.
The problem began about a week ago.
She is the typical retiree user who is just doing email and limited
browsing.
Her start page is AOL and she is using Verizon's DSL.
The OS is XP and auto updates are selected.

What happens. If she goes to log on to start a session when the system
starts searching for AOL (or other sites) the URL in clear text appears just
above the task bar. Then spontaneously the address changes from clear text
to the IP address. The progress indicator freezes and then the canned
message that the page requested cannot be opened and there is the usual
hints about mistyping URLs etc.

On occasion, the URL remains as clear text and the requested page opens.

In an attempt to avoid potential conflicts, I have disabled AVG and any
firewall.

She has gone through three sessions over the past week with Verizon's help
desk. After implementing all their recommendations, The system may work
temporarily. But it soon returns to problem mode. I tried a system restore
back to a time before the problem occurred. This too brought only a
temporary fix.

Verizon claims the Modem is good and the device manager reports the network
card is in good order.

Verizon also suggests that there may be a browser fault.

What say you? What is the next course of action?

Charlie

Any chance she's infected with malware or spyware or some other nasty?

There are plenty of free programs to check for nasties.

 

[Kaja]

first we need to clean out the cahe in Internet Explorer. Go to tools,
internet options, delete browsing history, delete all, check the box that
says delete files stored by add ons. Close IE. Next we need to verify the
integrety of the system. Run a complete virus scan with your AVG. Then we
need to check for spyware/malware. Download a great free program called
Spyware Terminator from http://www.spywareterminator.com
Then do an update and run a complete scan and move all threats to
quarantine. Let me know if this helps.
Best Regards,
kaja

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

<pft>

first we need to clean out the cahe in Internet Explorer. Go to tools,
internet options, delete browsing history, delete all, check the box that
says delete files stored by add ons. Close IE. Next we need to verify
the
integrety of the system. Run a complete virus scan with your AVG. Then
we
need to check for spyware/malware. Download a great free program called
Spyware Terminator from XXXX.spywareterminator.com
Then do an update and run a complete scan and move all threats to
quarantine. Let me know if this helps.
Best Regards,
kaja