XP IE 6 Stopped Working

The computer is a Compaq Pentium 4 with 512 MB of memory and an 80 GB hard drive. The internet connection is a Cable modem connected directly to a NIC card--no splitter or router. The computer came preloaded with Windows XP and IE 6.0. Until last Sunday, it would connect to the internet just fine.

Monday it wouldn't. Now this isn't my computer (I'm helping a friend), so I haven't been able to identify what the last action was before it stopped working. Here's the dilema: the computer connection is good and even IE acknowledges it is on line. The error is the "Cannot Display Page" error. The lower left display never says it is trying to access a web site. I can enter a URL and watch it as I hit the Enter button. It immediately starts downloading "Res//C:\... "--the error page.

Here is what I have done and checked:

1. In a Command Window, ipconfig shows legitimate IP addresses. I can ping them just fine. /release and /renew make no improvement.

2. Verified IE is on line. Then changed it to offline (the favorites dimmed) and then returned it to on line (the favorites came back to life).

3. Also tried Netscape 6.1 that came with the system. Same problem. Enter a URL and it is done in around .1 seconds. Netscape has an on line/offline icon in the lower right screen shows on line. Took it offline and it starts giving me a pop up window saying it cannot find the internet connection. Put it back on line and no more pop up windows, the icon says it is online and it still will not access a web page.

4. Tried Tools/Internet Options/Connections and the Set Up button. On my home computer (Win2K), I use the same cable company. My friends configurations are the same as mine. These are the cable company's recommended setting and I have three computer connecting just fine with these settings.

5. After all of this (and this next step did not cause the problem!), I wanted to make sure that an internet connection was possible. I installed Red Hat Linux (set to dual boot using NTLDR, not Grub or LILO). Mozilla (Netscape by any other name) goes right on line. There is nothing wrong with this computer's ability to access the internet.

6. Back to Windows to try and find what layer is breaking down. In Control Panel, we bring up an Internet activity page which correctly identifies when we disable and enable the connection. XP is convinced it has a good connection.

Hopefully, I've outlined here what is perplexing me--I can connect all of the dots (and verify independently) that the XP browsers have a good internet signal and they know it is there. Still nothing.

In searching this web site, I've found a couple of references to HOSTS and will check that tomorrow.

Any other ideas?

Thanks

 

Okay, there was nothing in HOSTS, so it wasn't the problem.

 

Windows XP and IE6 page not available

My friend is a novice and has basically the same problem. We would appreciate some help please. He is running a popup killer I believe, but nothing else.

IE6 was running fine, then he got the YAHA? virus and used Norton's fix to remove it.
Saturday all was well again and then today IE6 opens with the message that it is not available, but allows him to go to other websites.

It seems that hotmail can't be opened either.

Any help would be appreciated as he has downloaded IE6 several times with no difference.

A simiple solution would be appreciated as he
is not experienced enough to "play" in the registry.

Thanks,
Gloria

 

Well you both have it!

Go to Start-Programs-Accessories-System tools-Disk Cleanup. Do them all.

Do not open IE. Go to control panel Internet options-Delete files-All Offlie content. Delete all!

Do you have Spy/Aware cleaners?

Do you have a BHO control program?

Can you both send and recieve email?

Since you cannot get online then send me a direct email (the link on the top bar of this message) not the PM.

I will email and attach the 3 programs you need to do the cleaning. And I will post the instructions to both here.

Mike

 

Gloria

In computers for a novice nothing is simple. It is a matter of experience.

In rereading you message I notice that hotmail does not work, does Outlook work? Do you have another email accnt on this machine?

Please explain! You say stopped working then next sentence almost you say " IE6 opens with the message that it is not available, but allows him to go to other websites ".

??

In any case the programs needed will fit on a floppy and can be carried to the other computer that needs it.

All I need is a place to send it too!

mike

 

IE6 Problem

No spyware and I don't know what BHO control is.

But he has nothing loaded except the popup killer.

His internet home page for internet explorer is what I think he means. He gets the message when he starts IE, but it lets him load from his favourites.

Hotmail: he says it won't load, but his regular
email seems to be working with his dialup.
I sent him information before posting this and it hasn't come back as undeliverable.

He seems to be able to get to microsoft as he is downloading IE6 again and again....

Thanks for your help Mike.

Gloria

 

Mike,

Thanks for the info--I'll give it a try.

As for anything working, no it doesn't; darndest thing I've ever seen.

I'll send you an email for the three files you said we'd need. I assume I can transfer them by disk. If not, we'll transfer it to a CD-ROM and move them that way.

Again, thanks.

 

Ok this is for both of you.

Install these programs but do not run.

then

1. Run Disk Cleanup
2. Do not open IE goto conrtol panel Internet options and delete files including offline content.
3. Shut down reboot to safe mode
4. a. Adaware all features selected, delete all "ALL" it finds.
b. Spybot run twice delete all
5. BHO DEMON normal entry here is like Acrobat. Report back what you have.

reboot to full

run command "ipconfig /flushdns

retest, report back

Mike

 

Thank you Mike, I will advise him and follow up with report.

Unfortunately he is gone for the night, but will make sure he gets all this.

Thanks again

Gloria