Page cannot be displayed

[Rob R.]

Ok, I keep getting the Page cannot be displayed message.
But it only happens when I try to access paypal website or
Windowsupdate site. I have tried everything i can think
of. (im not a noob but not an expert) I lowered my
security to make sure the cookie wasnt blocked, i added as
a trusted site, i checked to make sure my browser is set
up to access secure web sites. I cant figure it out. I
even have run virus scan and Ad Aware to remove trojans.
My virus scan did find 5 trojans but I have removed them.
I dont know what to try now.

 

[Rob R.]

I thought it was only those two sites, but it happens on a
few others. Very few sites though. And not only secure
sites.

 

[Jim Wyatt]

Same thing's happening to me after I reloaded Windows
(98SE). I've tried the same things you tried and have
spoken with several acquaintances who should know. I'm not
able to access my Hotmail account and several other
sites...very frustrating. If anyone has insight, let me
know...meanwhile, I'll keep looking.

Anyone at Microsoft reading these posts?????

 

[GW]

I get that problem at Microsoft on any download page (I
was trying to reload explorer thinking that was a last
resort but I can't get at the page). I am also having the
same problem with the Mcafee site. I was having a problem
with my Windows update and the issue seemed to be a
similar problem - it has mysteriously corrected itself and
now I am recieveing updates. It is really frustrating
though. On the Mcafee site I don't get any of the .gif
buttons displaying! It seems quite bizarre since other
sites are just fine.
I to have changed all settings within Explorer as both of
you have done.
Answers would be great!
GW

 

[Jim Wyatt]

Fixed my problems after hitting the Microsoft>Downloads
and again selected the option to let Microsoft
automatically detect the changes I needed. When it denied
the option again, I noticed that they were referring me to
one of their articles. It stepped me through the
processes required (making all files visible and deleting
several files, etc.). I then reinstalled IE version 6.0
using my ie6setup.exe file that I had downloaded earlier.
Out of all that, I don't know what exactly fixed the
problem because I didn't try to rehit the URLs that
wouldn't hit earlier after each thing I did, but at least
it's working now. Hope that helps you.

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP]

I thought it was only those two sites, but it happens on a
few others. Very few sites though. And not only secure
sites.

Check for a file named HOSTS with no extension (not Hosts.sam). It may be a
hidden file. Open it with Notepad and remove any line referencing the site.
Or, rename HOSTS to OLDHOSTS

 

[rob r.]

I have a few hosts files. It looks like they have been
written to by a spyware program i have. There is tons of
stuff in these files. Is it safe to clear this file? What
should i do.

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP]

I have a few hosts files. It looks like they have been
written to by a spyware program i have. There is tons of
stuff in these files. Is it safe to clear this file? What
should i do.

Yes, it's safe to delete any HOSTS file.