Unable to link with Microsoft sites

I cannot obtain any Windows updates. I cannot use IE 6.0 search. When I try to link with any Microsoft address, I receive a "Page cannot be displayed" return. When I try to activate a search, I receive "web site found, waiting reply" followed by "Action cancelled, uable to Link" I can link to any other site other than a Microsoft link. I have Windows XP Home with IE 6.0. I would appreciate any help...

 

Any luck yet ?

If not and youve been through all the information already provided say so ,,It might just be a HOSTS problem (again)

Lonny

 

Many microsoft.com sites require that ActiveX controls be Enabled (or Prompt so you can say yes) to be accessed.

 

First, I would like to thank all who have responded to my situation. I have looked at all the references sent and have tried many things. I became so frustrated, I called Microsoft and ask for help. I was on the telephone for 3, yes, 3 hours talking to a tech support person in India.
After many many attempts to fix the problem, including changing the Host file, flushing DNS, etc., he thought it was a newly discovered virus "TrojanQHost ". So he lead me to CNET to download a Spyware program (which took 30 minutes). I ran the program with no positive results. Next to Symantec.com to download and run the "TrojanQHost" removal tool. This again proved negative. The virus was not found. So, no spyware and no virus. He became as frustrated as I was. We tried many other things which were unsuccessful, including deleting several supect programs. Anyway, the bottom line is that he is turning the problem of to the Microsoft engineering team. They will call me for an appointment within 24 hrs to again go over the whole thing. So apparantly I have a unique problem. I am not to pursue further changes until they call. So again, thanks for all the input and I will post again when I finally find out from the expert Microsoft engineers what my problem has been.

 

After reviewing most of my settings with a Microsoft Engineer, we zeroed in on all host files on my computer. He had me delete the following files, which we found with a search of all files and folders containing "host"

host.old2
host.old
HOSTS
hosts

Apparantly, some web sites that offer free downloads, install a host file which acts as a sort of traffic cop redirecting requests for links to certain sites. After eliminating the above files, everything worked fine. There was no virus. The person I spoke with said this has been a reoccurring problem for a long time. The only fix is to delete the files. I think a pevious post by Lonny Jones may have identified the problem as HOST, but I didn't know what he meant or how to investigate it further. I have notes from my conversation with Microsoft. If any further details are requested, send me an email.