unable to use search engines

[Kipp]

I just downloaded 2 critical updates and some other update
having to do with SP1 for Windows XP. Anyway, I now
cannot use any search engines, i.e. google, altavista,
etc. For example, I enter www.google.com and it just
times out. This goes for the rest of the search engines.
My home page is yahoo and when I type in something to
search for in the search box, it also times out. But I
can enter anything else into the address box and it comes
up; it just won't bring up anything having to do with a
search engine. Its like it is blocking all search engines
from being used, but my yahoo home page comes up but I
can't search for anything without it timing out.
I would appreciate any help!!

Thanks!!!

 

[H Leboeuf]

Parasites can cause havoc with google and other search engine.

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

 

[Kipp]

Henri,
I went to your web page and followed the instructions for
the internet security issues, but I still am not able to
use some search engines. I can get to the Yahoo home page
but I am unable to search for topics without it timing
out. As said before, I also am not able to use the Google
search engine; I type www.google.com into the address box
and wait approx. 20 seconds and it times out every time.
The only one I know I am able to use is AllTheWeb search
engine.

Why would this be happening? The only thing that I did
since this happened was updating the recommended security
files at Windows Update site. I had no problems with the
search engines before I updated Windows XP.

HELP!!!!!!!!!
Kipp

 

[Martin van der Kwaak]

Hello,

I had the same problem and I discovered that all the mentioned URL's where
blocked in my host file. After I deleted the hostfile the problem was
solved. Maybe it works for You as well.

THE FILENAME IS C: WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\HOSTS

Kind regards,

Martin.

 

[Mike Burgess]

Martin,
Most likely some spyware or parasite hijacked your HOSTS file.

The first thing to do is to scan your system for the possibility of
unknown\unwanted spyware or parasites that may be causing your problem(s).

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines
http://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 9-12-03]
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