IE cannot connect to the web

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Guest

Hi,

my default browser is firefox - have just discovered that I can no longer
access the web using IE. This became apparent whem using WMP.

Current problem is that I cannot find any place where settings for IE are
apart from internet options - which all seem ok.

can anyone point me in the right direction to troubleshoot this

Thanks
 
Hi,

my default browser is firefox - have just discovered that I can no longer
access the web using IE. This became apparent whem using WMP.

Current problem is that I cannot find any place where settings for IE are
apart from internet options - which all seem ok.

can anyone point me in the right direction to troubleshoot this

Thanks
Click to expand...

Nick,

Start with the tests in my article please:
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-internet-service.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-internet-service.html#AskingForHelp
 
Thanks chuck,

but found it a little difficult to follow -


in that problem is that IE is simply failing to connect - I presume to my
wireless network - and hence the web. The wireless network is connected and
access is fine via firefox. I presume it is some setting that needs tweaking
- but as yet cannot find it.

Not sure from your test how I can check what is wrong with IE per se !


Probably irrelavent - but in internet tools - network set-up shows the
wireless network as disconnected _ will not allow a connection - only to
disconnect. But via the network Icon shows it as connected. Presume that in
network set-up it may be presuming you want to change the current witthe
reless network - but still strange that it shows it as disconnected!
 
Thanks chuck,

but found it a little difficult to follow -


in that problem is that IE is simply failing to connect - I presume to my
wireless network - and hence the web. The wireless network is connected and
access is fine via firefox. I presume it is some setting that needs tweaking
- but as yet cannot find it.

Not sure from your test how I can check what is wrong with IE per se !


Probably irrelavent - but in internet tools - network set-up shows the
wireless network as disconnected _ will not allow a connection - only to
disconnect. But via the network Icon shows it as connected. Presume that in
network set-up it may be presuming you want to change the current witthe
reless network - but still strange that it shows it as disconnected!
"Chuck" wrote:
Click to expand...

Nick,

One of the challenges of dealing with network problems is the multiple layers of
connectivity that one must deal with. Obviously, you do need to get the lower
levels working before moving on to the higher levels.

So start by reading my article on basic network problem solving.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html

If you are not getting any connection to the network at all, and WiFi is part of
the setup (something NOT obvious from your initial problem report), read about
setting up WiFi networks.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/11/setting-up-wifi-lan.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/11/setting-up-wifi-lan.html

If you've done everything in each article, fine, but start there and read the
cited articles (and linked articles), with an open mind.
 
Chuck thanks for your patience and I will read

- but yes I can get a connection to the wireless network via Firefox browser
- but not seemingly via IE - in fact the other pC's in the house can connect
using both browsers - this leads nme to think that it is not to do with the
basic wireless network set-up but something that is blocking or causing IE
not to recognise the network - and looking at all the settings I cannot
figure out what this is!

Nick
 
Chuck thanks for your patience and I will read

- but yes I can get a connection to the wireless network via Firefox browser
- but not seemingly via IE - in fact the other pC's in the house can connect
using both browsers - this leads nme to think that it is not to do with the
basic wireless network set-up but something that is blocking or causing IE
not to recognise the network - and looking at all the settings I cannot
figure out what this is!

Nick
Click to expand...

OK, Nick,

The fact that Firefox can connect (sorry, missed that!), yet IE can't, is indeed
an important clue (and maybe a sign??). With IE, the key settings are on the
first page of the Connections tab, where you should select "Never dial a
connection", and on the sub window "LAN Settings", where you would typically
select "Automatically detect settings" (or not), and ensure that "Use a proxy
server" is NOT checked (unless you know that you have one).

If You've already verified all of those settings, then consider the possibility
that you have an LSP / Winsock problem.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.html

And, Nick, help us both, and post after my replies.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/how-to-post-on-usenet-and-encourage.html#TopPosting>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/how-to-post-on-usenet-and-encourage.html#TopPosting
 
Chuck

Gone thru your rules – maybe you can help me on no 6.

Preamble:
- IE tries to connect to home page after a couple of minutes standard error
for Cannot find server returned i.e. “ Page Not found returned†and
accompanying notes. NOT “access deniedâ€
- Keying in other known website addresses results in the same message.


Rule 1: As access to web via wifi OK via other browser - the basic network
set-up is OK

Rule 2: Basic network OK – i.e can gain full access to web and files on
other PC’s

Rule 3: basic network still ok - i.e can gain full access to web and files
on other PC’s

Rule 4: Computers 1 & 2 can access web using IE and firefox computer 3 only
using firefox- No obvious difference in the settings.

Rule 5: Unfortunately not known when the problem started as when the PC was
purchased installed firefox immediately. It was only when using Windows media
player recently that the problem came to light (WMP apparently uses IE to
access album info).

QUESTION – does MS only do auto update downloads via IE?

Rule 6: not sure what tools there are for testing IE specifically i.e. not
just testing the wifi network which basically works!

Rule 8: Yes trying to do this – have done searches to see if others have had
this problem ( to no avail) plus using MS and firefox forums.

Rule 9: hopefully being patient and do want to get to the bottom of this and
solve it.

Nick
 
Chuck

our p[osts crossed - am now following your suggested fixes - done the first
two - no luck as yet!


Nick
 
Chuck

Gone thru your rules – maybe you can help me on no 6.

Preamble:
- IE tries to connect to home page after a couple of minutes standard error
for Cannot find server returned i.e. “ Page Not found returned” and
accompanying notes. NOT “access denied”
- Keying in other known website addresses results in the same message.


Rule 1: As access to web via wifi OK via other browser - the basic network
set-up is OK

Rule 2: Basic network OK – i.e can gain full access to web and files on
other PC’s

Rule 3: basic network still ok - i.e can gain full access to web and files
on other PC’s

Rule 4: Computers 1 & 2 can access web using IE and firefox computer 3 only
using firefox- No obvious difference in the settings.

Rule 5: Unfortunately not known when the problem started as when the PC was
purchased installed firefox immediately. It was only when using Windows media
player recently that the problem came to light (WMP apparently uses IE to
access album info).

QUESTION – does MS only do auto update downloads via IE?

Rule 6: not sure what tools there are for testing IE specifically i.e. not
just testing the wifi network which basically works!

Rule 8: Yes trying to do this – have done searches to see if others have had
this problem ( to no avail) plus using MS and firefox forums.

Rule 9: hopefully being patient and do want to get to the bottom of this and
solve it.

Nick
Click to expand...

OK, Nick, that's a good start.

When trying "other known website addresses", are you trying only URLs? Have you
tried any IP addresses? Again, see my 4 tests!:
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-internet-service.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-internet-service.html#AskingForHelp

Rule 2: Can that more completely be phrased (remove any ambiguity) as
# "can gain full access to web (using Firefox only), and to files on other
PC’s", or
# "can gain full access to web and files, using other PC’s"?

If you try to use Firefox to access WindowsUpdate, you will get a very polite
refusal. WU uses ActiveX, a scripting agent not supported by any other browser
(which is why I and many other helpers advise use of Firefox when possible).

Rule 5: OK, "WMP" refers to "Windows Media Player"? Advise spelling out ALL
acronyms during first use to avoid confusion next time.

Rule 6: Try browsing in IE, using IP address (see my cited article).

Rule 7: What is Rule 7?

Rule 8: What is "trying to do this"?

Are you using the stock WMP, or did you download any updates? Or maybe any
third party extensions or codecs?
 
N.ick said:
Chuck

our p[osts crossed - am now following your suggested fixes - done the first
two - no luck as yet!


Nick
Click to expand...

Chuck

ok tried them all except no 6 - reading it was concerned that I may lose the
firefox connectiojn doing this which would give me no web access.

I was hopeful of the fixes as several months ago I did have "webhancer2 and
got rid of it ussing adaware.

Any other suggestions 0r should i TRY OPTION 6 - would it possible cause
access by firefox to be removed?

Sorry about the top replies - as the thread stuff was getting a bit long I
deleted it (before I read your blog re how you like postings - oops)

Nick

thanks nick.
 
Chuck said:
OK, Nick, that's a good start.

When trying "other known website addresses", are you trying only URLs? Have you
tried any IP addresses? Again, see my 4 tests!:
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-internet-service.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-internet-service.html#AskingForHelp

Rule 2: Can that more completely be phrased (remove any ambiguity) as
# "can gain full access to web (using Firefox only), and to files on other
PC’s", or
# "can gain full access to web and files, using other PC’s"?

If you try to use Firefox to access WindowsUpdate, you will get a very polite
refusal. WU uses ActiveX, a scripting agent not supported by any other browser
(which is why I and many other helpers advise use of Firefox when possible).

Rule 5: OK, "WMP" refers to "Windows Media Player"? Advise spelling out ALL
acronyms during first use to avoid confusion next time.

Rule 6: Try browsing in IE, using IP address (see my cited article).

Rule 7: What is Rule 7?

Rule 8: What is "trying to do this"?

Are you using the stock WMP, or did you download any updates? Or maybe any
third party extensions or codecs?
Click to expand...

Chuck,

thanks replies crossed again.

The other Pcs can access internet using both IE and Firefox.
With Windows Media Player (WMP)- I did update to the latest version (as this
is what the kids were using on the other pCs) BUT no ad ons. It was only
after the problems with WMP that I checked IE ( as had not used it at all
after downloading firefox when I bought the pc).

From looking at the fix tools you suggested - perhaps it was to do with
Webhancer and getting rid of this. As said tried them all except option 6 as
this seemd to indicate that I may lose connections established after the
initial installation.

Would an option be to re-install IE - I have found a web site which will let
me down load IE for service pack 1 (SP1)- however as my version of IE is part
of Service pack 2 i(SP2)t will not let me apply it. Could i remove IE then
install IE SP1 which would allow me (possibly!) to download IE SP2. Or am I
barking up the wrong tree here?

Thanks for your patience

Nick
 
Chuck,

thanks replies crossed again.

The other Pcs can access internet using both IE and Firefox.
With Windows Media Player (WMP)- I did update to the latest version (as this
is what the kids were using on the other pCs) BUT no ad ons. It was only
after the problems with WMP that I checked IE ( as had not used it at all
after downloading firefox when I bought the pc).

From looking at the fix tools you suggested - perhaps it was to do with
Webhancer and getting rid of this. As said tried them all except option 6 as
this seemd to indicate that I may lose connections established after the
initial installation.

Would an option be to re-install IE - I have found a web site which will let
me down load IE for service pack 1 (SP1)- however as my version of IE is part
of Service pack 2 i(SP2)t will not let me apply it. Could i remove IE then
install IE SP1 which would allow me (possibly!) to download IE SP2. Or am I
barking up the wrong tree here?

Thanks for your patience

Nick
Click to expand...

Nick,

Having only heard of Webhancer once or twice in passing, I did a very quick
Yahoo for it. The FIRST item on the search was from cexx, which is a very
objective source of information that I use frequently.
http://www.cexx.org/webhancer.htm

Is Webhancer present on both problem computers, and absent on the properly
working ones?
 
Chuck said:
Nick,

Having only heard of Webhancer once or twice in passing, I did a very quick
Yahoo for it. The FIRST item on the search was from cexx, which is a very
objective source of information that I use frequently.
http://www.cexx.org/webhancer.htm

Is Webhancer present on both problem computers, and absent on the properly
working ones?
Click to expand...

Chuck,
Web hancer was on this PC several months a go - followed suggested
procedures to get rid of it and in the end Adaware did this. I think it may
have been on one of the others. The reason I mentioned it is that the
"LSP-FIX" site mentioned webhancer could result in internet access being
effected - BUT maybe a red herring.

Nick
 
Chuck,
Web hancer was on this PC several months a go - followed suggested
procedures to get rid of it and in the end Adaware did this. I think it may
have been on one of the others. The reason I mentioned it is that the
"LSP-FIX" site mentioned webhancer could result in internet access being
effected - BUT maybe a red herring.

Nick
Click to expand...

OK, Nick, let's proceed on the basis that Webhancer is only incidental. If you
have 2 computers with the same problem, but Webhancer on only one, somehow we
have to find out what's common between the two.

We need to start with a description of your LAN, where you have the problem, and
where you don't. For all of your rules above (which is a good start), there's
no clue there why some computers should be problematic and others not. Read
about solving problems, and about providing detailed analyses.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/background-information-useful-in.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/background-information-useful-in.html

MSInfo (Start - Run - MSInfo32) might be a good start. Under Components -
Network, you'll see Protocol and Winsock. Try comparing those two sections
between the problem computers and the working ones, and see if there's a
pattern.

Also, maybe a history.
# When did you notice the problem?
# Did it show up on both computers at the same time?
# What's the history of your LAN. Which computers have you have longer? Are
they setup as they were when originally installed, or have they been customised?
New OS or same one as original? What changes were made just before the problem
showed up?

Forensic analysis, whether in police work or desktop support, is all about the
detail, and the structured analysis of details.
 
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