Link Question

[ProfessorGAC]

I keep having issues with clicking on links. An awful lot of the time, i get the "IE cannot access the webpage" when i click on a link. If i go to anything in my favorites, no problems.

Been happening a lot. Tried turning off certain security options and that didn't help.

Any thoughts, folks?

[steve2470]

1. have you scanned for viruses and malware lately ? nt

[ProfessorGAC]

3. Yep, I Did

No threats show up in Norton with the newest virus definitions.

Weird thing: It seems to happen when i link to a link. Example is that i was on a Bears website. An ad for an article about heart attack warning signs was there. So i click it and it goes right to the site. But that article was about an article. So, i clicked on that link, and got the "can't get to the website" message. That happens a lot, but just started.

Maybe i've just gotten unlucky with pages that have been taken down.

[steve2470]

4. for example, if you go to Google News ( http://news.google.com ) and click around....

which websites fail for you ? If most or all of those fail, I'd say your copy of Internet Explorer has been corrupted somehow. Please try that.

[ProfessorGAC]

7. I'll Try It

It's not most, but some. Seems like the first layer of links works, because it's rare for it happen if i link to something here in Sport or from GD or LBN. It's more like when in that page i see something else interesting, i click it and it happens. Not every time.

I'm thinking you may be onto something with the corrupted browser.

[steve2470]

8. Ok, this is a last resort, so be advised of that.....

Look at this image, please. See where you see the Reset button at lower right ? You can click that. All other things being equal, it should fix all problems.

I would also scan your hard drive with Malwarebytes, to be 100% sure you're not missing anything. I always use TWO programs, because no one program gets everything.

https://www.malwarebytes.org/downloads/

ETA: Be sure to disable your Norton from scanning while you use Malwarebytes.

[ProfessorGAC]

9. Cool. Thanks

Been very helpful Steve

[steve2470]

10. my pleasure, all fixed now ? nt

[ProfessorGAC]

11. One More Question

I am trying the Reset idea, but i keep getting a message that all programs and windows must be closed to do the reset. But, the only window i have open is the browser in order to get to the internet options pop-up window.

Cold boot the machine?

[steve2470]

12. hmm..ok do this first

Right click the Taskbar and choose Task Manager

Then, click the Processes tab of the Task Manager. Look at all the programs running. Do you see anything out of the ordinary ?

I forgot to ask, which version of Windows ?

[ProfessorGAC]

13. Vista Home Premium

And, i did the task manager thing. Nothing at all except the card game i was playing and IE on the applications tab. Checked the processes tab, and the nomenclature there is beyond my station. I don't know what some of the added characters mean. I see Explorer mentioned several times, but there are numbers and characters after them, so i don't know what it's supposed to look like.
But, at least where i've looked before, it looks normal.

[steve2470]

14. ok, try doing the Reset thing, then reboot, please

If that doesn't cure the problems, we'll keep going. Good luck !

[steve2470]

15. any luck ? nt

[ProfessorGAC]

16. Think I Found Something

It appears i have ccc.infospace which affects (by far the worst) JR Cigars. I always get redirected to a search page no matter what i click.

I read up on it and i think this is certainly one problem.

I see various adverts for removal software but, i'm asking an expert like you which are safest.

Norton (even with the most recent update and virus definitions) doesn't see it as a threat. But, information on the net suggests it is a pain

Any thoughts?

[steve2470]

18. first, put your Norton on standby status or deactivate it, don't uninstall it.....

second, download and install Malwarebytes free edition: https://www.malwarebytes.org/downloads/

That should remove the trojan you found.

After that trojan is removed, you can uninstall Malwarebytes and re-activate Norton. Do NOT run Norton and Malwarebytes at the same time. Be sure Norton is turned off/deactivated, on standby, etc.

If Malwarebytes for some reason does not work, try SuperAntiSpyware found here: http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html

Again, only run ONE antivirus at a time.

If all of that fails to remove it, let us know. Good luck! Be sure to reboot after you remove the trojan.

[ProfessorGAC]

17. Reset Seems To Work

When i go to JR now, i don't get redirected and when i'm in their site, i can link to their various departments and product line choices.

Thanks much. Most helpful.

If this isn't the whole answer, i'll get back, but it definitely is a big step forward.

[steve2470]

19. ah we passed each other in posting

If things are still weird, try my suggestions above.

[ProfessorGAC]

20. I'll The Other Too

Again, thanks for your help.

[lastlib]

2. Personally, I think your problem is IE. Get Firefox. Many problems solved.

It worked for me, and it's WAY faster! Just better in every way I can see.

[ChromeFoundry]

5. Try Internet Explorer (No Add-ons) mode

Click Start => All Programs => Accessories => System Tools => Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).


If this resolves the issue, follow these steps to isolate the browser add-on that is causing the issue:

1. Click the Tools menu item, and then click Internet Options.
2. Click the Programs tab, and then click Manage add-ons.
3. Click an add-on in the Name list, and then click Disable.
4. Repeat step 3 until you identify the add-on that is causing the issue.

[ProfessorGAC]

6. Thanks, But

Add ons are already disabled. Could that be the problem? Maybe i need ActiveX on or something?