Could somebody help me with my computer?

[Dark]

I think it's caught a virus or at least some spyware. It connects to the internet just fine, but if I try to open a browser, it tells me the page cannot be found. Then, if I try to link to another page, it tells me that Internet Explorer cannot perfrom the requested search.

I don't know where to look for help on the net, so could a more knowledgeable veteran direct me to a site that could walk me through fixing it.

I already tried system restore to a day I KNOW it couldn't have been infected (It had no connection to the internet that day or previously nor any software installed.)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Cuban_Liberal]

1. I posted this thread for you in the Computer and Support group.

I hope someone will respond to you who knows how to help.

:hi:

[givemebackmycountry]

2. See if you can get to Download.com

And if you don't already have them grab Ad-Aware (it's free) from Lava Soft and then get Spy Bot "Search and destroy" (also free) and run them.

If you have Norton or another virus program make sure that the files are up to date.

Sadly, what you may have have to do is drop back and punt and re-format the hard drive.

It's the only way to completely wipe out these villainous pieces of spy ware programs.

Good luck and head to the "Groups" section on DU. They have a computer help section where lots of friendly DU computer geeks are always willing to help out!

[McKenzie]

3. courtesy of Mr Gates

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=175722

let us know if you still get problems.

[BlueInRed]

4. For the spyware, try these

All are reputable and free. This will get rid of any spyware and browser highjackers.

1. Lavasoft AdAware http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
2. Spybot Search & Destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
3. Microsoft's new Anti-Spyware (beta, free for now) http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Beware of software with similar sounding (but slightly different) names, btw.

For viruses, you can download Panda AntiVirus free trial (but DO NOT use this if you have Norton or McAfee already on you system, as they conflict). http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/activescan.asp?Language=2&Country=63&Partner=1&Ref=EN-PR-AS-107

After getting rid of spyware, if you still aren't functioning, you can always try running system file checker. You can look it up in "Help" and run it from there or use Run, type "sfc scannow" and let it work. You'll probably need a Windows CD to do that. It sees if any files are the wrong version and will attempt to correct them. It's not perfect, but easier than reformatting the disk. You'll probably have to re-update things at Windows Update after it's finished.

[Sticky]

5. Have you tried to reset the modem?

If you have high speed you may need to unplug the modem for a few seconds, then plug it back in. That's usually the first thing I try when
my browser starts starts showing "Page Cannot Be Found" messages.

[katmondoo]

6. This happened to me a few weeks ago.

What I had to do was change my name to another user, in other words pretend to be someone else with another name and another password. What happened was, I couldn't open the browser with my original name and password, it suddenly refused it thereby not letting me onto the internet. The mail seemed ok. Even now I cannot open the internet with my old name and password. Even DU wasn't accepting my old password. Took lots of hours to figure out what to do. DU gave me another password, so now I am almost back to normal.

[ken-in-seattle]

7. basic troubleshooting.

As a troubleshooter I never assume anything from anyone.

I suspect your using xp (or millinium <spit>) open a dos window, Start>run>type "command" >ok
type "ipconfig" in the dos window. Look at the words "default gateway" and write down the ip address.
the type "ping" leave a space and type in the ip address you just wrote down. This should confirm that you are indeed on the net to your isp.
Then type ping www.google.com and make sure that completes.
That will prove you are really on the "internet"

If the previous responders pages cannot be reached directly, which is the result of some spyware installations, try going to download.com via the link below and grab adaware and install it.

http://download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button

Also note: the site below will list all the fake and rogue antispyware sotes and programs trying to take advantage of your misfortune.
http://netrn.net/spywareblog/archives/category/rogue-anti-spyware-software-and-sites/

[kcwayne]

8. I presume you are not using your computer to post on DU?

Because your symptom suggests that something is wrong with your connection to the internet. I would do the following to verify that you have connectivity:

Go to Start/Run menu and type cmd

Type ipconfig

The IP Address line should look something like XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX where X's are numbers. If the first 3 numbers are 168, you are not getting a valid address to connect to the internet with from your service provider or local router.

Type tracert www.democraticunderground.com

This will print out a list of addresses that the computer goes through to reach DU. If it does not print out at least 1 to 2 addresses, then your service provider has a problem with their domain server (DNS), and you should call them to ask whether their service is down.

[shraby]

9. You can also reinstall your browser.

You may have lost some dll's or something in it. If you reinstall, it will replace what you lost.

[Berserker]

10. Check here

http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/
It will explain a possible Browser Hijack and solutions to the problem.
If you have any Anti-Spyware apps (Spybot..Ad-Aware) boot into safe mode and run them. Tools can be found in my sig.

[jayfish]

11. Since You Rolled Back Your System...

to a time when you are relatively sure you did not have a virus and it did not solve the problem, I don't think you have a virus. It sounds like you are having connectivity issues. The first thing I would do is a hard-reset of your cable/dsl modem (if you are using a POTS modem then I would have to think about it more) and your router (if you have one). You can perform a hard-reset by disconnecting and reconnecting it's power supply . Don't bother with the little reset button. You should do the same with your router. With your router, using the reset button is a no-no as it will probably reset the unit to it's factory defaults. That's about all the advice I can offer as your post is short on detail.

Jay

[kaitykaity]

12. Who's your ISP?

Netzero used to do that to me all the time. It'd just
sit there and look at me.

I don't have Netzero anymore.

You didn't say if you're on dialup or not, but if you are,
select a different phone number to dial in and see if that
helps.

[B Calm]

13. If you have Norton, get rid of it! It's worthless. You can download

the AVG Anti Virus for free and it's ten times better than Norton. Run a system scan with the AVG and it will quarantine any viruses you might have.

[Cuban_Liberal]

14. AVG is absolutely superior!

I've lost count of the number of times it caught things that Norton missed, but it became so obvious after a while that I deleted Norton altogether.

:thumbsup:

[B Calm]

15. The best part about AVG, it is FREE

http://www.grisoft.com/

[alfredo]

16. Can you get e-mail?

If you can, then you are connected to the internet