IE6:Not displaying pages

I have begun experiencing a problem with IE6 not displaying pages for any url or IP address entered in the address bar. This occurs when there is an Internet connection (dial up). The browser will display web pages from files on the computer. (Windows xp sr2)

I have concluded that this is an IE related problem, since Netscape 7.2 works properly.

When I open IE6 with an Internet connection, the title bar indicates that my default homepage is (will be) displayed. There is no url shown in the address bar and no information displayed in the status bar. The mouse hourglass icon is displayed for as long as the browser is left open.

If IE is opened without an Internet connection, no dial up dialog box is displayed. This also occurs in Netscape.

This occurred after several program updates "“ Fresh Download (7.56) and Adobe Reader (7.0.8)

Some time ago this situation occurred with a laptop I use. I can’t associate it with any previous program updates. I was able to do a system restore from a much earlier time to resolve it. In this situation I can’t do a system restore. I had, a few weeks ago installed Microsoft Windows Defender, and now the system checkpoints are Windows Defender checkpoints. System Restore will not allow me to do a restore or access restore points in a prior month that had the conventional system check points that were made before Defender installation. Those non-Defender checkpoints are not there.
The earliest Windows Defender checkpoint restore didn’t solve the problem.

 

IEFix

PeteC

Thanks for the quick reply.

I have already tried that and it wasn't effective in solving the problem.

 

PeteC

It could. A number of fixes were applied 6/14/06

I really noticed it after the Fresh Download a Adobe reader updates on on 6/21/06

 

I am having EXACTLY the problem described, and also the fixes I have tried. I associate my problem with the installation of a new wireless router.
When troubleshooting MSN Messenger with the Connection Troubleshooter, I get Green Checks on all items until "Key Ports ", then it hangs up. I feel that if I could solve the "Key Ports" problem, I would have the solution to both MSN Messenger AND Internet Explorer.
Can anyone help?
Tom

 

Thanks...I will certainly give it a shot.

 

Osprey100--You say you have the exact problems as xseedman had. They were a fairly strange assortment of problems and it never was clear that he/she was able to access any site by any means.
Can you? When you click a link does IE get you to the site you want?
If you feel it is a router or Messenger that is messing you up, perhaps uninstall them?
Perhaps System Restore?
Or you could try disabling your firewall briefly to see if that helps.
What versions of Windows and IE are you using?
Are you using McAfee software?

 

Jim,

Thanks for your questions. Here is a description of my problem:
1. I am running a Dell 4600C, Windows XP(2) Home Edition. I have plenty of available memory (512 mb RAM), drive space, etc., as I do not run sophisticated software.
2. I recently replaced my D-Link Router with a Linksys 2.4G Wireless-G router.
3. I am connected to the Internet through a wired network connection, with two wireless laptops on the network. As far as I know, the laptops are not a factor in my problem. Both of them can access the Internet through IE6.
4. After setting up the new router connection, I found that I could not access the Internet through the IE6 on the 4600C. When I click on the icon, all I get is a blank page that shows that it is searching for my home page (Bellsouth.net).
(4.a. I can access all Internet functions using Mozilla Firefox.)
5. The same thing occurs no matter what website I try to open with IE6.
6. I never receive an error message such as "This page cannot.... ".
7. I tried to remove IE6 by going to the Add/Remove Programs window, but it is not listed. From what I have read since, IE6 cannot be removed.
8. I then downloaded and installed IE7 (Beta3). I can access the Internet through IE7. This also allowed me to run my MSN Messenger program which was inoperative until IE7 had been installed.
9. I was not running any McAfee software, having removed it thinking that it might be causing the problem.

I hope this gives you enoough information to diagnose my problem. Your help will be appreciated.

Tom

 

Osprey100--First, let me suggest you start a thread of your own with the list you have just posted. Your problem will get more visibility that way.
You are correct that you cannot remove IE6 in WinXP. There are ways to possibly repair it however.
http://www.theeldergeek.com/repair_ie6.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/repair_reinstall_ie_and_oe_6.htm
(Method 1 is the same in both.)
Since you are having success with IE7, perhaps just forget IE6. But if you want to pursue the matter, I would still like to learn what happens when you run that PC on IE6 with a direct connection to the internet.

 

Welshjim--Thanks for the suggestion and the repair links.
I would love to leave IE6 alone, but then my McAfee subscription would be wasted, as it is not compatable with IE7 (I have already complained to McAfee).
When I connect directly to the modem, the result with IE6 is EXACTLY THE SAME as through the wired network connection, i.e., nada, zip, nothing.

 

Osprey100--I have not run IE7 and so I am not sure why IE7 connects to the internet but IE6 does not.
And once you have installed IE7, I thought the only way you can get IE6 back was to uninstall IE7. But your post suggests you can switch back and forth quite easily. Is that correct?
Now that you have raised the issue, I find there are ways to run both, but it is not straightforward. See this reference for one way.
http://www.tech-recipes.com/internet_explorer_ie7_tips1188.html

If you had just told me your IE6 was not connecting to the Internet, I would have thought IE6 had lost its internet connection settings. The simplest procedure for repairing an internet connection (from within IE6) is
http://helpdesk.wisc.edu/page.php?id=1846
But with IE7 on the PC... I am not sure what will happen.
More on running both IE6 and 7 together here
http://www.google.com/search?source...D,GGLD:2004-31,GGLD:en&q=run+both+IE6+and+IE7

It could be that IE7 disabled the IE6 internet connection. But I also understand you lost your connection with IE6 before installing IE7.

 

WelshJim--Here's a little background---The trouble started when I decided to install IE7 (Beta 3) and give it a trial run. After it was up and running, I tried to reinstall my McAfee Security Center, and was told it was not compatable with IE7 So, I UNINSTALLED IE7, downloaded the IE6 software (Using Firefox), and tried to install it, only to be told that there was a newer version of IE on my computer, at which point it would not let me install the downloaded version of IE6.

From what I can tell, IE6 cannot find the correct port through which to connect, and I don't know how to fix that problem.

Question: Will changing the connection settings to try to fix IE6 affect my ability to connect using Firefox?

I will greatefully try your suggestions, (if I can work within IE6) and be back in touch with a post.
Tom

 

Osprey100--Based on what you said in your last post (from which I understand that IE6 is in fact installed (but not connected) and that IE7 is uninstalled), the only things I can think of is to uninstall McAfee and then repair your IE6 internet connection per the link I provided in my last post.
No guarantees.

I believe both IE and Firefox have settings to permit you to choose which is the default browser, but in any event, you should be able to manually turn on whichever you prefer.
Good Luck.

 

To All Who Have Helped:

MY IE6 NOW OPERATES PROPERLY (through nothing that I intentionally did). Here is a recap and what I did:

1. Operating a Dell 4600C, 512 mg RAM, WindowsXP (SP2) Home Edition. Wired network through a Linksys wireless router. NO stand-alone security program (McAfee) running.
2. IE6 would not open an Internet page. No error report, just kept grinding.
3. IE6 WOULD operate properly on a wireless networked laptop.
4. Decided to install an APC Model350R battery backup device.
5. I Shut the computer down, unplugged all of the equipment (PC, monitor,printer/scanner, modem, router, and external hard drive from the old surge protector.
6. Powered up the new battery backup, plugged in all of the equipment, and turned on the computer. All equipment powered up properly.
7. Upon logging in, I got (for the first time that I remember) a window entitled "Network Diagnostics For Windows XP ". I followed the instructions to repair the network connection, and VOILA', IE6 (and MSN Messenger) logged on properly.

Hope this may give y'all some sort of clue as to what solved the problem

Thanks to all for your great efforts to help me.

Tom

 

Osprey100--Glad to hear the good news.
Unplugging and replugging hardware often fixes things with hardware. But whatever caused "Network Diagnostics For Windows XP" to appear was the key.
A good diagnostic tool to learn about, though I guess I had heard about netsh before.
http://netsecurity.about.com/gi/dyn...oting/TroubleshootWithNetworkDiagnostics.html
http://www.computerhope.com/netsh.htm#01
http://www.windowsitpro.com/Windows/Article/ArticleID/41111/41111.html
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/netdiag.mspx