Search feature causes Freeze

[Guest]

When I use the search feature available on Internet Explorer 6 (click search
button on explorer toolbar then enter a search into text box) it causes IE6
to freeze. The worst part about it is that after closing all windows of IE6
and attempt to reopen an IE6 page it cannot find the homepage or anypage for
that matter.

It is as if the search feature is missing something.... but what?

All suggestions appreciated

 

[Guest]

I wanted to add that I am using windows XP service pack 2 and IE6 v.
6.0.2900.2180.xpsp_sp@_gdr.050301-1519

This issue is happening on all machines with this software installed.

 

[Jan Il]

Hi LB

First check your system for hijackware or other types of malware, as this is
usually the cause of this kind of problem. In addition to updating and
running your AV, download, install and run the programs below in Safe Mode
with Hidden Files enabled. This will remove the nasty you have and any
others it may have let in the back door. Some malware can replicate itself
repeatedly if not removed properly, so even if you have run some of the
programs listed here, it is important that you run them again according to
the information below so that Windows is not operating to hide any files 'in
use' Follow all instructions carefully:

First, Clear the TIF's and empty the recycle bin:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm

Also…empty your Recycle bin.

Then do the following:

WARNING>>>> Backup all documents and files before removing any spyware!!

Most importantly, download install and run CWShredder here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
or here
http://www.trendmicro.com/cwshredder/
and About Buster, which searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html
Then visit these two sites to test for parasites and help basic cleaning:
On-Line Check
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
and
Quick-Fix Protocol.
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
Basically, throw everything here at your "infection".

Then download, install and immediately update these three programs before
running:
AdAware SE - Update immediately after installing
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button
AdAware Tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=48
SpyBot S &D - Update immediately after installing
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html
SpyBot S&D Tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=43
Microsoft Windows Antispyware Program (Beta)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Next, do an Online scan here (if possible) -
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
Make sure that you choose "fix" or "clean".

Download Pocket Killbox from
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/files/killbox.exe
and put it on the desktop where you can find it easily

Download, install, and run HiJackThis - it is one of the most important
tools to help clean your system of scumware. Follow the instructions
carefully:

How to download and install HiJackThis: (it does not need to be updated)
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict309.html

Please DO NOT post your log to this newsgroup. It is important that you go
to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below:
CastleCops HiJackThis Forum
http://castlecops.com/f67-Hijackthis_Spyware_Viruses_Worms_Trojans_Oh_My.html
or Bleeping Computer HiJackThis Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
to allow the program experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of
any
necessary steps to clean your system.
(Note: Look for and read the "Important- Read This First" messages in the
sections for HiJackThis logs so that you follow proper procedure. You will
have to Register before posting on these Forums. Please follow all posting
instructions carefully to avoid having your log deleted or ignored.)

Also, please post a link to the forum where you post your HJT log back to
this thread so that we can follow your progress there.

CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

You should also get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also... From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
(NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)
or Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip

How to Restart in Safe Mode
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406

How to Show Hidden Files
http://snipurl.com/6rl8

Hope this helps.

Jan
MS MVP - IE/OE
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Replies are posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.
How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all the tips, However this issue is prevelent even on new
machines with a fresh install of XP sp2 and office2003.

I will look into your suggestions but i feel that it is some kinda of
setting that is causing or missing component that is causing the problem.

 

[Jan Il]

Hi LB

In addition to the other information, you might also check the following:

First...from Control Panel> Internet Options> Advanced> uncheck "Enable
third
party browser extensions."
If this allows IE to work, then you have scumware on your system. First
clean you machine, then Disable the "third party browser extensions." after
the cleanup.

also..

Download and install the Windows script engine 5.6 here:
http://www.fjsmjs.com/IE/scriptdb.htm

heck the information here:
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=12319
http://www.generation.net/~hleboeuf/symptoms.htm
http://www.computing.net/windowsxp/wwwboard/forum/131535.html

also….

If you have Zone Alarm, uninstall it and reinstall it.

Also...If you have any 3rd party programs, popup blockers, Google or Yahoo
toolbars, Yahoo Companion, disable them.

Check your ActiveX and Security settings.

If you have McAfee:

Disable the McAfee ActiveX controls Applet filters in the Internet Filter
window when you select Customize your VShield settings

"Your current security settings prohibit running Active X controls on this
page. As a result pages may not display correctly."
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/acxen.htm
or
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN;Q319585&LN=EN

Hope this helps.

Jan
MS MVP - IE/OE
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Replies are posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.
How to make a good newsgroup post:

 

[Guest]

I'm not sure how the XP search companion works when searching the internet
with Internet Explorer 6, but it seems to be blocked by the firewall we have
set up.

I tried computer on an outside line and the search companion works fine.
Does anyone know why this is??

--as a note we have corprate edition of symatic anti vivus, it is up to date
and have ran it on the machine.--

 

[Guest]

Switching to the classic search function solves the issue.

To do so do the following:

[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Registry Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
Modify/Create the Value Data Type(s) and Value Name(s) as detailed below.
Data Type: String Value // Value Name: Use Search Asst
Note that there are spaces in the String Value, not underscores.
Set the value of Use Search Asst to no.
Exit the registry and reboot.

 

[Jan Il]

Hi LB

Switching to the classic search function solves the issue.

To do so do the following:

[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Registry Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
Modify/Create the Value Data Type(s) and Value Name(s) as detailed below.
Data Type: String Value // Value Name: Use Search Asst
Note that there are spaces in the String Value, not underscores.
Set the value of Use Search Asst to no.
Exit the registry and reboot.

Glad to hear you were able to resolve your problem. Good job!

Thank you very much for posting back and letting us know what worked for
you, and for the benefit of other readers who might have a similar problem.

Jan
MS MVP - IE/OE
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.