Unable to Search

[Jeff]

For some reason, I am now unable to do any web searches.
I am unable to access Google. I get an unable to display
page message. If I try to do a search using MSN, same
thing happens. If I bypass Internet explorer by using
AOL software, no problems. I can use Internet Explorer
to access any other websites. But no search engines.
Anyone have any ideas? I am using Internet explorer 6.

-Jeff

 

[DVarnau]

Jeff,
This sounds like the Qhosts trojan. Here's a repost from Mike Burgess:
- - - -
Trojan Qhosts hijacks the HOSTS file, however unlike normal redirectors,
this one hides the HOSTS file in the "Windows\Help" folder. It then
creates entries that redirects *all* major search engines to a website.
Note: this website has now been removed, thus the DNS errors.
Some users have reported multiple HOSTS files in various locations
[more HOSTS info]
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

Microsoft has released a cumulative patch for this vulnerability:
Simply go to Windows Update [hotfix 828750]
[more info]
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/ms03-040.asp

[Removal Method]
http://www.brown.edu/Facilities/CIS/Software_Services/virus/index.html
[or]
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/trojan.qhosts.html
[or]
http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_100719.htm
Note: not all machines are affected by the same Registry changes
but the user needs to verify in any case, if changes exist.

You can detect "Qhosts" via "HijackThis!"
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
_______________________________________
Mike Burgess http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/

Blocking Spyware, Adware, Parasites, Hijackers, Trojans, with a HOSTS file
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm [updated 10-13-03]

- - - End Repost - - -

Hope this helps,
Don
- - - - - -

 

[Richie]

-----Original Message-----
For some reason, I am now unable to do any web searches.
I am unable to access Google. I get an unable to display
page message. If I try to do a search using MSN, same
thing happens. If I bypass Internet explorer by using
AOL software, no problems. I can use Internet Explorer
to access any other websites. But no search engines.
Anyone have any ideas? I am using Internet explorer 6.

-Jeff

.
Try this it worked for me.I posted this under Page Not

Found Errors.Good luck.

Thought I would pass this on in hopes it may help someone
else and also ask how this got screwed up in the 1st place.
No one else uses the computer. Good luck.

Since 10-12-03 whenever I tried to use IE6 I would get
PAGE NOT FOUND for any site I put in. I also was unable to
use Windows Update. At 1st I thought it was the TROJAN
QHOST from some of the questions I read here. I was still
able to use AOL 9 so I went to symantec and downloaded the
tool from there to find out if I had a trojan but it didnt
find anything wrong.I tried other remedies but to no
avail. To make a long story short Sunday I went to
ADD/REMOVE and clicked on WINDOWS SETUP and went
to communications and unchecked INTERNET CONNECTION
SHARING and MSN MESSENGER SERVICE.I then used the Home
Networking Wizard to stop sharing.I didn't set this up for
sharing.Rebooted and I am now able to use IE6 again and
also the windows update function.