Internet connected but can't use a browser

[El.Plates]

Hi am trying to fix a problem for a friend of mine on his Dell Inspiron
1720-1418 which is running Vista Home Premium and all is fine apart from
Internet Explorer cannot connect to the internet. I DO have a working
internet connection and am able to download Windows updates and updates for
Spybot (although not for NOD32, Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware !!) I have
run the latest version of these utilities and cleaned out some small issues
appropriately. Next downloaded Firefox incase IE had become corrupted but
exactly the same deal.
I next thought maybe it's a firewall issue and as my working knowledge on
the vista firewall is pretty flakey I decided to download, via my PC, a copy
of Zone Alarm.
The Dell will not allow me to install because the drivers are not compatible
!!
Tried different firewalls from different manufacturers but the same deal.
And of course the repair option is not available as there is no back up to
work from, for which I will gently thank my friend...
Really really desperately need some help on this one
TIA

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

...I am able to download Windows updates and updates for

Spybot (although not for NOD32, Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware !!)

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.

 

[M.L.]

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.

That's strictly a matter of opinion. Local independent repair shops
are no more likely to be reputable than big box shops. In fact, I
think they are less so. I stopped advising friends of using
independent repair shops after learning how badly one ripped off my
uninformed brother. At least the big boxes let you know up front what
they'll charge for tasks, and can be a good resource if you already
know what needs to be fixed.

 

[Not Even Me]

I saw that in XP quite a bit, especially after removing malware that had
gotten into the LSP.
Running LSPFIX.exe usually fixed it, but you could also run
(from the command line) netsh winsock reset
then reboot
If those failed, removing ALL network adapters from device manager,
rebooting and resetting the network connections seemed to do the trick (as
it rebuilt the LSP/Winsock)

 

[Bob B]

Did you carry out the following advice and did it work ?

BB

 

[El.Plates]

Did you carry out the following advice and did it work ?

BB

Hi Bob, I had already gone down the rebuild LSP/Winsock route without
success, and have subsequently posted back what I did to fix the issue - not
the way I had wanted to do it, as I never found the original problem, but a
solution non the less.
Thanks for you reply and best regards

 

[Bob B]

Hi Bob, I had already gone down the rebuild LSP/Winsock route without
success, and have subsequently posted back what I did to fix the issue -
not the way I had wanted to do it, as I never found the original problem,
but a solution non the less.
Thanks for you reply and best regards

Are you saying that removing the network adaptors from the device manager
then rebooting actually worked. Will the network connection reset
automatically or what else did you have to do ? (by the way I find I could
connect to the internet with internet explorer in safe mode with the network
connection but not in normal mode)

Bob

 

[El.Plates]

Are you saying that removing the network adaptors from the device manager
then rebooting actually worked. Will the network connection reset
automatically or what else did you have to do ? (by the way I find I could
connect to the internet with internet explorer in safe mode with the
network connection but not in normal mode)

Bob

No I'm not saying that, what I am saying is, is that I posted the Solution
that I used - so that people knew the problem was fixed.
Thanks again

 

[Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM]

I saw that in XP quite a bit, especially after removing malware that had
gotten into the LSP.
Running LSPFIX.exe usually fixed it, but you could also run
(from the command line) netsh winsock reset
then reboot
If those failed, removing ALL network adapters from device manager,
rebooting and resetting the network connections seemed to do the trick (as
it rebuilt the LSP/Winsock)

Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages, including HijackThis.
Help with malware:
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

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

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince
you that you owe it to the author. See also:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure
of.